Under the new HDV CO2 regulation, ambitious targets are set to reduce CO2 tailpipe emissions of new trucks by 45% in 2030, compared to 2019 levels. This big environmental push is being supported by Directive (EU) 2022/362 on road user charges, which had to be transposed into national law by 25 March 2024. What's it all about? Well, its shaking things up by weaving CO₂ emission classes right into the fabric of national toll systems.
The European Union has a diverse approach to charging heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) for the use of roads. This system varies significantly among member states, with some applying distance-based tolling, others using time-based user charges and a few operating under long-term concession contracts with private operators.
A substantial number of EU countries, including Germany, Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Belgium, Bulgaria, and the soon-to-join Denmark and the Netherlands, have implemented government-directed distance-based tolling. This system, where toll rates are determined by the distance travelled, is overseen by national authorities, often in collaboration with government ministries. These countries, accounting for 53% of EU road freight, do not engage non-state actors in toll rate determination.
In contrast, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Portugal have entrusted almost all of their highways to private operators under long-term concession contracts. These 'concession countries' give significant control over toll rates to these operators. Ireland has a similar system for selected highway sections. Spain, which is witnessing a decrease in concessions and an increase in free-to-use roads, is planning a national toll system covering all highways as part of its post-pandemic recovery strategy. By 2027, concession-controlled distance-based tolls are expected to cover Member States with 28% of EU road freight.
Time-based user charges, known as vignettes, allow vehicles to use infrastructure for a set period, such as a day or a week. This model is less common but still in use in Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Luxembourg. These countries, which may retain vignettes for regional reasons or due to the costs of switching to distance-based tolling, represent just 4% of EU road freight. Romania, currently using vignettes, has pledged to transition to distance-based charging as part of its recovery program.
By 2027, the EU expects to have 81% coverage with distance-based tolling (53% government-directed and 28% concession-operated), along with vignette user charging. This totals approximately 85% of truck toll/vignette coverage across the EU. The remaining 15% is either in transition, like Spain and Romania, or currently untolled, as is the case with Finland, Malta, and Cyprus.
The European Union is taking significant strides in integrating environmental considerations into its road-tolling systems. With the introduction of Directive (EU) 2022/362, member states are now required to incorporate CO₂ variations into their tolling systems for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Here's how it works:
Under the new system, vehicles are categorised into five CO₂ classes (as above), with every vehicle initially placed in Class 1. If you're aiming for a lower toll rate, falling into Classes 2 to 5, you'll need to provide some extra data or registration details. This is where services like Eurowag's toll solution come in handy. You can submit the necessary information through Eurowag to qualify for these reduced toll charges. If your vehicle fits the bill, the toll operator should apply these reductions accordingly. Just a heads up, though, to benefit from a reduced surcharge from the standard CO₂ Class 1, your vehicle must have been registered after July 2019. Once you submit your details, they’ll be forwarded to the relevant authorities, who will then calculate your toll charges based on this updated information.
Curious about how the new CO₂ Emission Classes will impact your toll for truck costs? Why not give the Eurowag CO₂ calculator a whirl? It's a handy tool that can give you a ballpark figure of what you might expect to pay in tolls based on your vehicle's CO₂ output. It's a great way to get a head start on planning for these changes and understanding their financial implications for your fleet.
You'll need to provide some specific data and vehicle documents to show the CO₂ emissions of your vehicles. The kind of information you'll need to provide includes:
Remember, this list might change without notice, so it's always good to double-check. Along with these details, you'll also need to upload some key vehicle papers like the Vehicle Registration Part 1, the Certificate of Conformity (COC), and the Customer Information File (CIF).
Once you submit the above information to Eurowag, we take care of the rest. We'll forward everything to the local toll authorities, ensuring your vehicles are properly classified and the correct CO₂ class is applied. It's a simple process that helps you stay compliant and possibly benefit from lower toll rates!
As Europe gears up for a greener future, significant changes are coming to the way tolls are calculated, especially for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). Let's break down what these changes look like in key European countries:
In the context of adapting to Directive (EU) 2022/362 and its tolling requirements, utilising advanced technologies becomes crucial. Tools like Eurowag's E-toll solution, complemented by devices such as the EVA on-board unit, ensure not only compliance but also efficiency in toll collection for trucks. Eurowag's E-toll solution makes sure your fleet is on the right side of these changes, ensuring accurate vehicle classification and fair toll charges and supporting your 'go green' efforts. The EVA on-board units play a key role in accurately capturing CO₂ emissions data and toll payments, aligning seamlessly with the directive's aim for a more environmentally responsible road transport sector.
Learn more about CO₂ Emission Classes and their impact on your toll rates by contacting Eurowag’s 24/7 customer care service today.
