They say that this will only be possible if the right charging/refuelling infrastructure is built and a coherent policy framework is put into place, including comprehensive CO2 pricing to drive the transition.
As part of a new cooperation with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), the leaders of DAF, Daimler, IVECO, MAN, Scania, Volvo Group (which includes Renault) and Ford Trucks of Turkey have signed a new joint statement. It says: “Climate change is the most fundamental challenge of our generation, with greenhouse gases from fossil fuels being the main cause of the problem. At the same time, the raging COVID-19 pandemic has put the spotlight on the crucial role road transport and logistics play to ensure that food, medicines and other essential goods are available to those who need them. If road freight transport is to maintain its role in serving society it must decarbonise quickly.”
“Reliable and efficient zero-emission vehicles are already beginning to hit the market, but we will need to rapidly increase their numbers and range over the next few years. This will require a paradigm shift, moving away from fossil fuels as the main energy carrier as quickly as possible.”
The entire statement is published here: https://is.gd/biseri
The manufacturers worked under the umbrella of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). According to ACEA and PIK, a sound CO2 emissions pricing system could be one of the most effective instruments, as zero-emission vehicles simply will not take off as long as diesel remains cheaper. ACEA says that three building blocks were agreed by the corporate leaders as the starting point for transforming heavy-duty transport:
- Functional, reliable and efficient vehicles
- A dense network of charging and refueling infrastructure suitable for trucks
- A coherent policy framework which enables and drives the transition to carbon neutrality.
Each element is explained in the policy paper published simultaneously, available here: https://is.gd/noguwu
“Science shows us that if we want to avoid crossing dangerous tipping points in the Earth system, we need to act today – combining all available solutions to make a rapid shift to carbon-neutrality,” says earth system scientist, Johan Rockström of PIK. “A first step has been taken with the ACEA/PIK cooperation, as industry and science start to work together in a strategic partnership to accelerate the transition, on the basis of scientific information.”