A new call for projects worth 110 million euros has been launched to electrify trucks, buses and coaches, the government said on Monday. Around 95 million euros are planned for hauliers wishing to buy or rent an electric heavy goods vehicle, or replace the combustion engine of a used truck with an electric motor, the Ministry of Transport said in a press release. In addition, 10 million euros will be devoted to buses and urban shuttles, while 5 million will be intended for coaches, the ministry added. The platform for submitting applications is open until October 7.
In 2019, heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches emitted 22% of greenhouse gases in the transport sector, behind private cars, according to the Ministry of the Environment. In January, Europe set a target of reducing emissions from new heavy vehicles, sold from 2030, by 45% compared to 2019 and by 90% in 2040. But electric trucks remain around three times more expensive to buy than their diesel equivalents.
Their cost of ownership (TCO) should become equivalent between 2028 and 2030, with a drop in the cost of batteries and an increase in the price of diesel models, the boss of Renault Trucks indicated at the beginning of 2023. This manufacturer plans to achieve 50% of its sales with electric battery vehicles in 2030. As part of a first round of subsidies, 19 million euros have already been distributed since the beginning of 2024. They have enabled the acquisition or rental of 248 heavy goods vehicles used in freight, distribution, agri-food or industry, according to the government.
