While the European Parliament has voted to extend toll exemptions for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles, Irish hauliers running Battery Electrics Vehicle (BEV) trucks won’t be getting any reduction in toll rates on Irish roads, HGVIreland.com can confirm.
The European Parliament vote now paves the way for Member States to waive or reduce toll charges for electric and hydrogen trucks until 30th June 2031.
The vote amends the so-called Eurovignette Directive and prolongs the current exemption, which was due to expire at the end of this year.
The amendment allows Member States to continue applying reduced toll rates or full exemptions for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles until mid-2031.
Under current EU rules, Member States are free to decide whether to apply such exemptions; they are not mandatory.
Because the scheme is voluntary, implementation will vary between Member States. Only a few countries — such as Germany and Austria — currently apply full or partial exemptions, while others, including Ireland have yet to introduce any form of zero-emission toll relief.
A spokesperson at the Department of Transport told HGVIreland.com: “Zero Emission Heavy-Duty Vehicles (ZEHDVs) in Ireland, generally pay a standard HDV toll rate, although passage through the Dublin Tunnel remains toll-free for all Heavy-Duty Vehicles.”
The spokesperson continued:” To support the electrification of HDVs, Government investment has focused on addressing the high capital costs of purchasing a Zero Emission HDV through the introduction of the Zero-Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle Purchase Grant Scheme in January 2024.”
“This has since been followed by the introduction of the Zero-Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle – Recharging Infrastructure Grant Scheme in October 2024, to assist the purchase and installation of infrastructure associated with the recharging of Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDVs) that are electric and zero-emission.”
“Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is responsible for the overall management and operation of the nation’s toll roads, including setting the Toll Bye-Laws that regulate the maximum allowable toll rates.”
