The German Bundestag has decided to extend the toll exemption for natural gas trucks. Reinhard Zirpel, President of the Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (VDIK) welcomed the decision: “In this way, the Federal Government is creating planning security for transport companies that rely on environmentally friendly gas trucks. Natural gas and biomethane are CO2-reducing alternatives to diesel. Commercial vehicles with gas engines are already now ready and available for series production”. The Bundestag resolution stipulates that mainly natural gas-powered vehicles will remain exempt from the truck toll until the end of 2023.
The combustion of natural gas (methane) produces up to 20 percent less CO2 than diesel fuel. The decisive perspective for an even greater reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is provided by renewably produced biomethane. It can be added to fossil gas without any quantity restrictions. Pure bio-methane even enables CO2 savings of up to 90 percent. Biogas already accounts for 17 percent of all gas used as a fuel in transport in Europe.
In addition to gas, the international manufacturers are pushing the whole range of alternative drive systems for commercial vehicles. They are primarily developing electric trucks and commercial vehicles with fuel cells. They are also working on overhead line technology.
Pure battery electric vehicles, externally rechargeable hybrid electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles will continue to be completely exempt from the truck toll for an unlimited period.
