At this event Portugal will sign the Global MoU on zero emission trucking and new endorsers will be announced. This signifies the ongoing momentum for an accelerated transition to zero emission trucking. This open event will share the views of leading public and private actors in this transition, while highlighting the opportunities and benefits of a fast transition to ZE trucks building on the existing readiness and commitments and the momentum the Global MoU for ZE-MHDV has provided.

Trucks represent a disproportionate share of emissions despite being a relatively small share of on-road fleets. While trucks used to be regarded as a “hard to abate” sector from a climate standpoint, zero-emission (ZE) technology for trucks is ready for most applications, and it will soon be ready for all truck applications.

Not only is technology ready but the vast majority of ZE truck applications will achieve cost parity by 2030. This conclusion has been confirmed by multiple organizations in multiple regions and applications.

While technology readiness and economics are no longer considered major barriers by industry experts, charging infrastructure and grid capacity are now considered to be main challenge to a swift transition to ZE trucks. Yet a variety of public and private initiatives are emerging to bolster a quick development of the necessary charging infrastructure.

Despite technology readiness and sound economics, policy ambition in most regions to accelerate ZE trucks has not kept pace with climate ambition. The Global MOU for ZE-MHDVs signed by 15 countries was the first step to align on a common ambition towards a full transition to new ZE trucks by 2040. In addition, California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule, the legislative package to be sent to the New Zealand parliament before summer and the revision of the European CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles are examples of strong existing and upcoming ZE truck regulations. However, strong regulations and policies are still needed in most regions to enable a pace and scale of ZEV transition consistent with the Paris Agreement.