“Decarbonization and competitiveness can and must go hand in hand” – Christian Levin 

Congratulations on your first 100 days as chair of the ACEA Commercial Vehicles Board for 2025! What does the role entail, and why is it important for TRATON to have a leading voice in policy discussions?  

Thank you. My role is to represent our industry in Europe, ensuring that policymakers understand what’s needed for a successful transition to sustainable transport. That means advocating for pragmatic yet ambitious policies that drive progress while remaining achievable.  

Trucks and buses are not just “big cars”; they are the backbone of a functioning society and economy. If we want to remain competitive, we need directives that encourage investment and innovation.  

Electrification is a top priority, and we’re investing heavily to drive this transformation. This transition must be realistic, so we require smart, practical policies that make sure Europe keeps its edge – especially now, with strong competition coming from China. We need a framework that ensures that decarbonization and industrial leadership go hand in hand. Europe cannot afford to fall behind in this race.

What are the most urgent regulatory changes needed for decarbonization in heavy-duty transport?  

Today, only 2% of new trucks in the EU are zero-emission. By 2030, that must rise to 35% to meet carbon reduction targets. This is an enormous leap in just a few years, and while we are fully committed to meeting the ambition, political stakeholders must hold up their end of the deal.  

We would like to see an earlier review of the CO₂ standards before 2027, shifting the focus onto the enabling conditions and ecosystem supporting zero-emission vehicles. Infrastructure rollout, energy pricing, and economic factors are outside manufacturers' control. Yet, a rigid penalty system could punish OEMs unfairly. Regulation must reflect real-world challenges.  

Beyond emissions targets, we need a regulatory framework that removes complexity and supports investment. Overlapping, sometimes contradictory rules slow us down and divert resources from innovation.  

How can Europe close the gap in charging infrastructure for heavy-duty vehicles?  

If Europe is serious about leading in sustainable transport, suitable charging networks must be built at scale. That requires a coordinated approach, flanked with forward-thinking policies.  

The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) is a start, but it sets only minimum requirements and does not fully address the specific needs of our commercial vehicles industry. Grid capacity is a major bottleneck, with long lead times to connect sites. Faster grid expansion, streamlined approval processes and clearer enforcement of AFIR targets are crucial – otherwise the deployment of charging networks will fall behind vehicle adoption. National governments and the European Commission must coordinate better and act faster.  

At the core is the need for the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), a game-changer for heavy-duty vehicle charging. MCS must be swiftly integrated into existing infrastructure, and grid constraints must be tackled head-on. If the infrastructure isn’t ready, the transition will stall – charging networks must match the ambition of our industry.

Cost remains a challenge for transport operators switching to electric. What can policymakers do to make BEVs a viable option?  

Cost parity with diesel is critical; for this reason, we need to create a level playing field for electric trucks. One issue is the Weights and Dimensions Directive, which doesn’t reflect the realities of electric freight. Batteries are heavy, reducing payload capacity under current rules. A weight allowance would help bridge the gap until battery technology improves.  

The Eurovignette Directive is a powerful tool to boost cost competitiveness, offering zero-emission vehicles a road toll exemption until 2025. That’s why we fully support the proposed extension in the Action Plan: It’ll create even stronger and more consistent incentives for fleet operators, helping those customers who are leading the charge on the transition. This is a clear opportunity to keep momentum going and reward the early adopters.