Stronger EU grids can power road transport electrification

IRU takes note of the Council's agreed negotiating position on the grids package as an important step towards strengthening the EU's energy infrastructure to support electrification and decarbonisation.

The Council's position on the revision of the trans-European energy infrastructure (TEN-E) regulation and permitting directive includes measures to improve infrastructure planning, streamline approval procedures and strengthen grid resilience.

These developments are particularly relevant for commercial road transport. Grid readiness is a key enabler of the transition to zero-emission mobility.

IRU EU Advocacy Director Raluca Marian said, "The Council's agreement sends a positive signal. Better planning, faster approvals and stronger grid resilience are essential to support transport electrification.

"For commercial road transport, however, the key question remains whether operators will gain timely and predictable access to sufficient grid capacity and affordable electricity to support fleet electrification at scale."

IRU sees particular relevance in the package's provisions for more coordinated EU-wide infrastructure planning, notably through the European Commission's central scenario to identify long-term infrastructure gaps. Like other EU infrastructure frameworks such as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), stronger coordination at EU level will be essential to ensure grid development keeps pace with electrification needs across borders.

IRU also notes the possibility for Member States to reinvest congestion income into cross-border grid upgrades, helping unlock strategic investments where additional capacity is most needed.

Simplified procedures and digital portals are another practical improvement that can help speed up the deployment of charging infrastructure.

Looking ahead, ensuring timely access to sufficient grid capacity, reliable power and affordable electricity at depots, logistics hubs, terminals and along major freight corridors will be essential to support the large-scale electrification of commercial road transport.

Following the Council's agreement, negotiations with the European Parliament are expected to begin once the Parliament adopts its position, with the aim of reaching a final agreement on the legislation in 2026.

IRU stands ready to work with EU policymakers throughout the process to help ensure that the final framework fully reflects the operational realities and infrastructure needs of commercial road transport.