In a three-part webinar series, IRU and POLIS brought together European leaders to advance the decarbonisation of heavy-duty freight transport within (peri-)urban areas and the European road network. Participants debated critical issues shaping the EU’s journey towards carbon neutrality by 2050.
IRU and POLIS’s webinar and roundtable discussions featured representatives from the private and public sector, including the industry, cities, regions, and European projects. The speakers shared their decarbonisation strategies based on the latest technological developments, innovative business concepts and policy proposals.
The webinar series offered a forum for a broad range of stakeholders to identify essential strategies for maintaining efficient goods transport throughout the entire logistics chain, thereby boosting prosperity in Europe.
The first webinar provided a comprehensive overview of the decarbonisation landscape, defining key players, opportunities and challenges.
Later sessions explored more specific themes, such as the transition of heavy-duty freight to lighter vehicles for urban delivery.
Achieving decarbonisation targets requires the availability of zero-emission technologies across all road transport sectors, complemented by regional and local collaboration to ensure smooth access to transport networks and markets.
Lacking energy infrastructure
The final webinar of the IRU-POLIS series focused on the critical need for a strong energy infrastructure, extending beyond vehicle-specific challenges like those posed by zero-emission drivetrain technologies and electric batteries.
Often described as a “chicken or egg” dilemma, the availability of a widespread, equitable infrastructure is crucial. Participants discussed cross-border cooperation and the development of an extensive network of high-speed charging and refuelling stations.
Additionally, the sessions highlighted ongoing EU-funded projects – in which IRU is engaged, such as ZEFES and H2Accelerate Trucks – testing battery-electric and fuel-cell electric trucks across the EU. The discussions also covered interoperability and renewable energy sources.