Europe’s largest truck manufacturers are set to announce an end to sales of diesel engines by 2040 – a decade earlier than planned.
Instead, Daimler, Scania, MAN, Volvo, DAF, Iveco and Ford will focus on the development of hydrogen, battery technology and clean fuels. The companies have formed an alliance and signed a pledge to phase out diesel in favour of these technologies.
The manufacturers, in addition to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), will work with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research to identify and develop the best alternatives to diesel engines.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Scania chief executive Henrik Henriksson said:
“If we can make this happen, we need to all work together.
“There is no silver bullet; it won’t be that one technology will rule everything, there will be parallel technologies over time. They will come at different paces, but if we sit and wait for the perfect technology to emerge we will burn the planet.”
The EU is planning to reduce CO2 emissions by 5% by the end of the decade, putting pressure on many industries to reduce environmental impact.
Truck makers are ramping up their commitment to switching vehicle technology in the face of increasing pressure from the EU which plans to reduce CO2 emissions by 5% by the end of the decade.
In order to reduce investments in fossil fuel technology, truck manufacturers are also calling for a higher carbon tax in the EU.
Henriksson add: “If politicians continue to subsidise fossil fuels, it will be very difficult for us, we need to change the behaviour of our customers, and of our customers’ customers.”
Microlise & Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Microlise has been involved in a number of projects focusing on the development and utilisation of alternative fuel vehicles.
Many of our customers also utilise alternative fuel vehicles within their fleets, from fully electric to LNG. Brit European, a long-term customer, has led the way using a dual fuel approach.
More recently, and for two wheels rather than four, Microlise was selected as a member of the design and development consortium for the new electric BSA motorbikes, set to be manufactured in the UK, bringing back to life the iconic brand.
