"As the VDA, we welcome the fact that the European Parliament is paving the way for an extension of the toll exemption for zero-emission trucks beyond the end of the year. This creates a key lever for the market ramp-up of zero-emission trucks and e-mobility in Europe.

Such an extension creates the necessary security to offset the higher acquisition costs of electric trucks through operating savings. For companies in the German automotive industry, this primarily means investment security.

Brussels is now required to finalize the legislation promptly, and Berlin also needs to implement it decisively into national law.

At the same time, it is clear that the breakthrough of emission-free trucks requires not only incentives on the cost side, but above all a rapid and comprehensive expansion of charging and H₂ refueling infrastructure as well as an efficient electricity grid infrastructure throughout Europe."