Call for carbon-based pricing scheme on fossil-fuelled HGVs

HVS (Hydrogen Vehicle Systems) is calling for a ‘pay-as-you-pollute’ carbon-based pricing scheme on fossil-fuelled heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to drive a faster transition to clean technology.

Welcoming a letter, signed by over 40 leading companies such as Nestle, Pepsico, and Nike sent to the EU this week, which has called for more ambitious CO2 standards, plus a clear date for 100% of new trucks to be zero emission, HVS believes simply setting carbon reduction targets without accompanying policy measures is not sufficient.

To effectively achieve the reduction in emissions and reach targets and accelerate the uptake of clean and green HGVs, it is also advocating carbon pricing, specifically by implementing a carbon emissions price escalator on fossil-fuelled vehicles, which follows the principle of polluters paying.

The proposed initiative of gradually increasing the price of diesel based on a predetermined trajectory would incentivise the adoption of zero-emission and alternative fuel vehicles by making their total cost of ownership more favourable.

Additionally, it says that EU-wide support for operators purchasing zero-emission vehicles based on their emissions from well to wheel, as well as the implementation of more comprehensive road pricing scaled to carbon emissions, would further strengthen the economic case for early adoption and drive faster uptake of sustainable solutions.

Jawad Khursheed, CEO of HVS, said: “There is a real urgency for the transition to zero-emission heavy goods vehicles, so we are very encouraged to see parties across the industry actively initiate a call to action for policymakers to make those decisions that will expedite this shift.

“Collectively, we need to work together to push for bolder decisions and ambition from current proposals, which is desperately required to help advance the development of zero-emission solutions.”

“However, we need to do more than simply call for carbon reduction targets - these must be backed by a series of policy levers to effectively deliver them, which is why HVS believes the best approach is for carbon pricing.

“The polluter must pay, whether that’s through escalating fossil fuel prices, EU support for operators buying zero emission heavy vehicles based on well-to-wheel emissions and more comprehensive carbon-based road pricing.”

HVS revealed its new long-range hydrogen-fuelled tractor unit at the CV Show earlier this year. The truck has a range of up to 370 miles and a refuelling time of 15-20 minutes.

HGVs are the second largest contributors to UK transport emissions and with their numbers increasing, their emissions are likely to increase, argues Khursheed.

He continued: “We need to act quickly to ensure we can support the haulage industry seamlessly move from fossil-fuelled fleets to green hydrogen HGVs.

“HVS' technology holds the potential to play a crucial role in achieving emissions reduction targets and drastically contribute to cleaner transportation.

“We are committed to revolutionising the haulage industry by offering sustainable solutions, working collaboratively with policymakers, industry partners, and other stakeholders to drive the adoption of zero-emission trucks.”