A European Parliament report published on 7 May 2026 proposes amendments to the CO2 emission class rules for heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) road charging, introducing new flexibilities for retrofitted zero-emission vehicles, low-emission technologies, and expanded scope for heavier light-duty vans. The report, from an unidentified political group, aims to balance decarbonisation goals with practical industry needs during the transition.
The report (A-10-2026-0131) contains 17 amendments to the proposed directive amending Directive 1999/62/EC, Council Directive 1999/37/EC, and Directive (EU) 2019/520. The amendments reflect a pragmatic, industry-oriented approach, focusing on flexibility, technological neutrality, and implementation support.
Key changes include a transitional low-emission vehicle category and a reduction of up to 10% on infrastructure or user charges for vehicles equipped with electrified transport refrigeration units, justified by potential emission reductions of up to 15%. Member States may also apply reduced rates for low-emission vehicles before 2031.
For retrofitted zero-emission vehicles, the report proposes classification that avoids market distortions until harmonised EU methodologies are established, and allows reclassification from CO2 emission classes 1 or 2 (instead of 2 or 3) when the emission reduction trajectory is based on a 30% target.
The scope is expanded to include alternatively-fuelled M1 category light-duty vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes, aligning with recent driving licence rules and bringing heavier electric vans under the charging framework.
New requirements include mutual recognition of CO2 emission classes between Member States and accessible verification formats such as QR codes or mobile certificates. A dedicated technical task force is proposed to ensure harmonised implementation, and Member States must consider actual use of vehicle combinations in logistic systems, including empty runs.
The classification of vocational vehicles is clarified to ensure consistency with emissions performance, and the treatment of dual-fuel vehicles registered before 2024 is also clarified.
Stakeholder impacts: HDV manufacturers face new compliance requirements for retrofitted and low-emission vehicles but gain flexibility and potential market incentives. Transport operators benefit from reduced charges for low-emission technologies and clearer classification rules, but may face administrative burdens from mutual recognition and verification formats. EU regulatory bodies will need to establish harmonised methodologies and a technical task force, increasing coordination demands. Environmental groups may view the flexibilities as weakening the stringency of the CO2 framework, though the incentives for low-emission technologies could accelerate adoption.
The report now awaits consideration by the full Parliament and subsequent negotiations with the Council. No prior coverage of this file exists in the last 180 days.