Zero-Emission Vehicles – Accelerating demand across Europe

Despite significant progress on the supply side, the EU market for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) is growing more slowly than anticipated across all vehicle segments, including cars and vans (LDVs), as well as medium- and heavy-duty trucks, buses and coaches (HDVs).

For example, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the share of electric vehicle sales increased in 2024 in 14 out of 27 EU member states. However, it either stalled or declined in the remaining ones, including in key markets such as Germany and France, largely due to the phasing out or reduction of subsidies.

To tackle these challenges, the European Commission has put forward several proposals aimed at accelerating ZEVs adoption. The most recent suggests extending exemptions from tolls and road user charges for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles (trucks and buses) until June 2031, replacing the previous 2025 deadline.

Nevertheless, some stakeholders argue that more can be done to stimulate the ZEV market across different vehicle segments, and suggest a range of policy options.

Listen to this Euractiv Hybrid Conference to explore the right mix of policy instruments needed to drive ZEVs demand and support Europe’s climate and industrial objectives. Questions to be discussed include:

• Why is ZEVs demand lagging in parts of the EU despite regulatory clarity and growing supply?
• What tools do governments have at their disposal to stimulate demand (e.g. fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, public procurement strategies, mandates)?
• Can a pan-EU approach be effective, or should incentives remain within the remit of national governments?
• Are mandates a viable solution for corporate fleets? What risks and opportunities do they present?
• What lessons can be drawn from frontrunner countries such as Norway, Switzerland and others?