Freight Transport Services by Road
Operation of zero-emission heavy goods vehicles and vans for road freight, supporting the shift to decarbonised logistics supply chains.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation
The activity covers the purchase, financing, leasing, rental and operation of vehicles for road freight transport classified as category N2 (medium-duty, 3.5 to 12 tonnes) and N3 (heavy-duty, over 12 tonnes) under Regulation (EU) 2019/1242. Vehicles must have zero direct (tailpipe) CO2 emissions. This includes battery-electric trucks, hydrogen fuel cell trucks and catenary-electric (e-highway) vehicles.
Until 31 December 2025, vehicles with specific CO2 emissions below 50% of the reference value set for the vehicle sub-group under Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 may also qualify as a transitional measure. From 2026 onwards, only zero-emission vehicles qualify. Fleet operators must maintain verifiable records of vehicle-kilometres and payload utilisation.
Road freight accounts for a significant share of transport emissions in the EU. By requiring zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles, this criterion accelerates the decarbonisation of logistics while incentivising the deployment of charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure along TEN-T corridors.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation
The activity must comply with Appendix A of the Climate Delegated Act. Physical climate risks to freight operations, including extreme temperatures affecting battery range and cargo integrity, flooding of logistics hubs and distribution centres, and wind loading on high-sided vehicles, must be assessed and addressed.
DNSH: Climate Change Adaptation
A proportionate climate risk assessment must be carried out covering the operational lifetime of the vehicles and supporting infrastructure. Hazards include extreme heat reducing battery performance and tyre integrity, flooding of depots and loading areas, and ice and snow affecting braking distances on freight corridors.
DNSH: Circular Economy
Vehicles must comply with end-of-life requirements under Directive 2000/53/EC or equivalent heavy-duty vehicle regulations. Traction batteries must be managed in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, meeting recycling efficiency targets and critical material recovery rates. Vehicle design should facilitate component reuse and remanufacturing, particularly for powertrain and battery systems.
DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control
Vehicles must meet all applicable type-approval requirements for non-exhaust emissions, including tyre and brake wear particles. Tyres must comply with Regulation (EC) No 661/2009 noise and rolling resistance classes. Regenerative braking must be the primary deceleration method to reduce friction brake particulate output. Refrigerated transport units must use non-HFC refrigerants with a GWP below 150, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 517/2014.