Glossary

A zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) is a vehicle that produces no harmful tailpipe emissions, such as CO₂ or nitrogen oxides, during operation. These vehicles are typically powered by electricity stored in batteries or by hydrogen fuel cells. ZEVs are at the forefront of the transition to sustainable transport and play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in urban and rural areas alike.

A zero-emission truck (ZET) is a heavy-duty vehicle that operates without producing any tailpipe emissions, offering a clean alternative to traditional diesel-powered trucks. ZETs are typically powered by battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell technology, making them suitable for both urban delivery and long-haul freight. 

Zero-emission trucks are central to decarbonizing the transport sector, reducing air pollution, and meeting climate targets set by the EU and global agreements. Revised CO2 standards for trucks will push the development of ZETs.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) run entirely on electricity stored in rechargeable batteries and emit no pollutants during operation. BEVs are particularly suitable for short- and medium-range freight transport, offering a clean and energy-efficient solution. With advances in battery technology, they are becoming increasingly viable for long-haul applications, helping to decarbonize the trucking industry.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) use hydrogen gas to produce electricity through a chemical reaction in a fuel cell, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. HFCVs are ideal for long-haul trucking and high-demand operations due to their fast-refuelling times and extended range. They are a key component of the zero-emission transport ecosystem, especially for regions with well-developed hydrogen infrastructure.

Charging and refuelling infrastructure refers to the network of facilities that support zero-emission trucks, including battery electric vehicle (BEV) charging stations and hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS). These facilities are essential for ensuring seamless operations of zero-emission trucks, from urban deliveries to long-haul freight transport. 

Scaling up this infrastructure with high-power chargers and strategically placed refuelling stations is critical to the success of zero-emission trucking and meeting climate goals. This is the purpose of the revised AFIR.

If you want to know more about Charging and Refuelling Infrastructure, read our position on the review of the AFIR. 

Depot charging refers to the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at fleet depots, where trucks can recharge overnight or during scheduled downtime. This approach allows fleet operators to optimize charging schedules, reduce operational costs, and avoid reliance on public infrastructure. Depot charging is essential for ensuring the efficient daily operation of electric trucks in logistics and transportation networks.

Public charging stations provide on-the-go charging options for electric trucks, enabling long-distance travel, and supporting operations in areas without depot access. These stations range from standard chargers in urban areas to high-power chargers along highways. Expanding public charging infrastructure is critical for scaling up the adoption of electric vehicles and ensuring seamless, zero-emission freight transport across regions.

The megawatt charging system (MCS) is an ultra-high-power charging standard under development for heavy-duty electric vehicles. Designed to deliver charging power of up to 3.75 megawatts, MCS will allow electric trucks to recharge rapidly, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency. This technology is key to making electric long-haul trucking practical and competitive with traditional diesel vehicles.

The Eurovignette is a toll system applied to heavy goods vehicles using European motorways. It aims to cover infrastructure costs and encourage environmentally sustainable transport practices. Recent updates to the Eurovignette Directive focus on integrating climate goals, offering lower fees or exemptions for zero-emission trucks to incentivize their adoption and reduce carbon emissions in the freight sector.

Read our paper on the Eurovignette Directive.

The total cost of ownership (TCO) encompasses all expenses associated with owning and operating a vehicle, including the purchase price, energy or fuel costs, maintenance, salary cost for drivers, and eventual resale value. For zero-emission trucks, lower energy costs and reduced maintenance requirements often offset higher upfront costs, making TCO a crucial metric for businesses considering the switch to sustainable fleets.

If you want to know more about the financing of ZETs, read our study.

Payload efficiency refers to the amount of cargo a truck can transport relative to its own weight and energy consumption. This metric is particularly important for zero-emission trucks, as heavier battery systems can impact payload capacity. Advances in lightweight materials and battery energy density are improving payload efficiency, making electric trucks increasingly viable for commercial freight. Proposed changes to maximum allowed weights for zero-emission trucks are also crucial.

Read our position on the revision of the Weights & Dimensions Directive.

Range anxiety describes the fear that an electric or hydrogen-powered vehicle may run out of charge or fuel before reaching its destination or a refuelling station. This concern is especially relevant in freight transport, where long distances are common. Improved battery technology, the expansion of charging infrastructure, and hydrogen refuelling networks are actively addressing this barrier to adoption.

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology allows electric vehicles to connect to the power grid and either draw energy for operation or return surplus energy stored in their batteries. V2G systems help balance electricity demand, reduce energy costs for fleet operators, and support renewable energy integration. For zero-emission trucking, V2G represents a transformative step towards greater energy efficiency and grid stability.