Zero-emission trucks are ready—now politics must catch up, says VDA chief

VDA President Hildegard Müller has highlighted the transport sector’s readiness for change. At the IAA Media Summit in Frankfurt, she confirmed that the industry already has the technology for low- and zero-emission transport. She also stressed the need for urgent political action to speed up progress. Müller opened the summit by declaring that modern battery-electric trucks are ready for deployment. She pointed out that infrastructure remains one of the biggest obstacles to scaling up zero-emission vehicles. Charging and hydrogen networks must expand much faster to meet demand.

Company representatives at the event supported a technology-neutral approach for the transition. They argued that this flexibility would help the sector adapt more effectively. Müller also called for competitiveness to guide future regulations.

In her speech, Müller warned against adding more bureaucracy and reporting duties for the industry. She pushed for an industrial policy that backs investments in electrification, digitalisation, and decarbonisation. The VDA also requested an early review of current CO₂ standards for heavy-duty vehicles to ensure they remain practical. The summit underlined the need for reliable political frameworks to accelerate the rollout of zero-emission trucks. Müller’s remarks signal that the technology is available, but infrastructure and regulation must now keep pace. The VDA’s call for early CO₂ standard reviews reflects the urgency of aligning policy with industry capabilities.