Daimler Truck requests changes to EU CO2 regulations

Image: Daimler Truck

Achim Puchert, CEO of Daimler Truck, is calling for adjustments to the EU’s CO2 regulations for truck manufacturers. In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, he emphasized that the goals are not in question and that investments in vehicles have already been made — the manufacturers have done their homework. However, the problem is that infrastructure development is progressing much more slowly than promised.

Puchert argues that regulatory requirements should be more closely linked to the actual development of infrastructure. It is unfair to hold manufacturers solely responsible for failing to meet targets when the necessary conditions are lacking. High fines loom, which could undermine companies’ ability to invest.

The low market share of electric trucks in Europe is not attributable to manufacturers, as a wide range of electric options are available. Instead, difficulties lie in the availability of infrastructure, the capacity of the power grid, and competitive prices. Europe lacks charging stations for large commercial vehicles. Additionally, high electricity prices prevent a clear cost advantage over diesel engines.

"Only when infrastructure and operating costs are in place does a compelling business case emerge for many customers," says Puchert. The head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks points to China, where policymakers, infrastructure providers, and industry partners work more closely together to develop charging infrastructure along key transportation routes. Europe is still lagging behind in this area.

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Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.

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