Hydrogen Europe and H2Accelerate have written legislators advising caution over a weight limit for heavy duty vehicles that threatens to favour fossil fuel-based vehicles.

The maximum drive axle weight limit for zero emission heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), set out in the on-going Weights & Dimensions Directive, would at its currently proposed level would render it impossible for hydrogen-powered HDVs to comply without compromising on payload. The letter calls for a 1-tonne increase in the weight limit in order to accommodate hydrogen-powered trucks and buses in a decarbonised transport system. Failure to do so, the letter continues, would put them at a disadvantage compared to fossil fuel HDVs.

Hydrogen Europe and H2Accelerate urge lawmakers, including transport commissioner Adina-Ioana Vălean, when reaching a final position in the Council and trilogue discussions, to decide on more decarbonised transport options by increasing the maximum drive axle weight limit for these vehicle types.

Click here to read the joint statement.