Heavy-duty trucks generate 40% of transport NOx in Europe

Demand for new commercial vehicles in Europe increased for the 14^th consecutive month as of February 2016. Statistics from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) show a total increase of 17.8%  compared to February 2015, with the heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) segment growing by 22.2% to 21,052 units.

According to a recent independent study by green transport group Transport & Environment (T&E), HDVs in Europe are responsible for external costs of around €143bn (US$163.23) annually, only 30% of which is recovered through taxes and tolls. They are also the source of over 40% of transport nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, costing around €15bn (US$17.12bn) in adverse health impacts. Some countries, like Belgium, are looking to implement new road charging schemes that could make these trucks “pay a bigger share of the damage they cause,” says T&E.