Brussels: Global road transport body IRU, carmakers’ group ACEA and environmental organisation Transport & Environment (T&E) have urged the European Commission to maintain EU funding for charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for heavy-duty vehicles, warning that a pause in support in 2026–2027 could slow the shift to cleaner trucks, reports acea.
In a joint letter sent to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the three organisations called for swift action to avoid a funding gap once the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) runs out. Together, they represent road transport operators, vehicle manufacturers and civil society groups.
AFIF, which was set up under the EU’s transport funding programme to support alternative fuel infrastructure, has helped unlock around €3 billion in investment across the bloc. This support has played a key role in expanding charging and refuelling networks in many member states. However, discussions in Brussels suggest EU support could be interrupted in 2026 and 2027.
The groups warned that without a clear replacement funding tool before the next long-term EU budget begins in 2028, progress on charging and hydrogen stations for heavy-duty vehicles could stall. This would come at a critical time, just as zero-emission trucks are entering the market and investment is increasing across the supply chain.
IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said halting funding just as infrastructure deployment is gaining pace would send a negative signal to the market. She said transport companies may be willing to invest in cleaner but more expensive vehicles, but such decisions are difficult when charging facilities are not guaranteed. She added that EU backing is especially important for depot-based charging, which is expected to remain central to truck operations by offering cost control and reliable daily use.
ACEA Chief Commercial Vehicles Officer Thomas Fabian said Europe must ensure continuous support for charging and refuelling networks if it wants to cut road transport emissions. He said infrastructure needs to expand in line with vehicle sales and operators’ investment plans, warning that a break in funding could slow adoption and hurt Europe’s industry at a sensitive time. He stressed that steady and faster action is needed, rather than delays.
The three organisations called on the European Commission to keep EU-level support in place, either by extending AFIF or by using other funding tools in cooperation with member states. They said funding should cover the entire infrastructure chain, including public charging and refuelling stations, depot charging, grid upgrades and energy storage, all of which are needed for the daily use of zero-emission trucks.
T&E Fleets and Freight Director Stef Cornelis said AFIF has proven to be one of Europe’s most effective funding tools, with truck charging projects already starting in countries ranging from Portugal to Romania. He said reliable charging across Europe is essential to help the logistics sector move to electric trucks. Cornelis added that the Commission should increase funding and provide clear investment certainty, warning that stopping support now would undermine the progress already made.
The groups said keeping infrastructure development on track is crucial to support investment decisions, enable cross-border transport and ensure the EU can deliver on its plans for cleaner road freight in practical terms.
