EU Cannot Afford to Pause Zero-Emission Heavy-Duty Charging Deployment - CleanTechnica

The article highlights a joint appeal from the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), and Transport & Environment (T&E) urging the European Commission to maintain uninterrupted EU funding for heavy-duty vehicle charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. They warn that a funding gap anticipated in 2026–2027, following the exhaustion of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), could severely hinder the deployment of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles. AFIF, part of the CEF Transport programme, has facilitated around €3 billion in investments critical to expanding alternative fuel infrastructure across the EU. The organizations emphasize that continuous support is essential as zero-emission trucks enter the market and investments increase, particularly stressing the importance of depot charging infrastructure for commercial vehicle operations. The groups call on the Commission to either extend AFIF or activate alternative funding mechanisms ahead of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework starting in 2028 to avoid losing momentum. They underline that funding must cover