Clean fleets for logistics
The EU Commission, under the strategic vision of the European Green Deal, has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero emissions in the EU by 2050. To achieve this objective, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced across all sectors of the EU’s economy.
Road freight transport is the backbone of trade and commerce on the European continent. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), trucks carry around 77% of all freight transported over land in the EU. According to the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the EU Commission, approx. 65-70% of inland freight is transported by diesel trucks. Trucks are responsible for 25% of climate emissions from road transport in Europe, while accounting for less than 2% of the vehicles on the road.
There is increasing consensus among European truck manufacturers and industry stakeholders that battery electric trucks (BEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) as well as hydrogen combustion trucks (H2-ICE) are the most promising technologies available now. However, high total cost of ownership (TCO), underdeveloped infrastructure, and uncertain regulatory schemes remain key challenges hindering the transition.
In parallel, to address these environmental impacts, many cities are establishing ambitious targets for zero-emission deliveries. These goals involve boosting demand for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and adopting cleaner fleet technologies to minimise the footprint of urban freight transport.
POLIS involvement
POLIS is at the forefront, collaborating with cities through the Urban Freight Working Group and the Clean Vehicles & Air Quality Working Group, where members share sustainable practices and enhance partnerships with logistics providers, and participating in projects like NextETRUCK and ESCALATE, both of which support zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) integration within city logistics.
- NextETRUCK focuses on pioneering next-generation electric truck solutions designed for medium regional freight. By enhancing energy efficiency by 10% over current electric vehicles, it aligns with city goals to reduce emissions and traffic congestion through more efficient vehicle fleets. POLIS cities such as Barcelona play a vital role in demonstrating these ZEVs, contributing real-world insights for future market adoption.
- In ESCALATE, POLIS is involved in the development of scalable, zero-emission solutions for heavy-duty vehicles, focusing on clean powertrain options that can travel up to 800 km without refuelling. By conducting pilot demonstrations on strategic European routes, ESCALATE supports POLIS’s commitment to decarbonizing freight while optimizing urban and regional logistics networks.
EU Automotive Package: A concerning ‘step back’ impacting cities and regions
POLIS mayors join call to uphold the EU’s 2035 CO₂ targets
POLIS at the forefront of green urban logistics in Brussels
Save the date for URBANE’s Final Conference!
POLIS and Brussels Green Deal unite to showcase urban logistics innovations
Subscribe to our project newsletters!
Global New Mobility Coalition releases new ambition statement on the future of urban deliveries
New compendium of interventions to transform freight transport and logistics is out
Decarbonising logistics: Hydrogen & battery-electric truck pilots presented during second IRU-POLIS webinar
First IRU-POLIS ‘Zero-Emission Urban Freight Webinar’ inspires over 100 stakeholders
ESCALATE conveys for its General Assembly!
Subscribe to ESCALATE’s newsletter!
rEVolutionising passenger and freight transport: POLIS‘ working groups & projects explore
Answer NextETRUCK’s survey on e-freight!
ESCALATE kicks off with a bang!
POLIS calls for funding to renew bus fleet and passenger rolling stock
Joint letter: More support is needed for clean bus infrastructure
- Related Events
- Related Documents
- Related Projects
URBANE Final Conference
Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress 2025
Navigating the last mile: Innovation in zero emission urban freight
POLIS-ALICE Webinar: Unlocking synergies—Combining passenger and freight transport for sustainable urban mobility
DISCO’s Ghent Living Lab: Final Event
NextETRUCK Webinar: Zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles
Regions and Clean Vehicles & Air Quality working group meeting
Charging hot spots: Facilitating city logistics to go electric
Charging hot spots: Facilitating city logistics to go electric
Introducing clean vehicles into public fleets: Recommendations from Clean Fleets project
NextETRUCK