The decarbonization of road freight transport is moving into new phase. Several key projects are now outlining a clear regulatory path. These developments will profoundly transform the sector’s operational and economic environment.
Here are 3 projects to follow closely:
A framework law for transport to structure the transition
The draft framework law on transport development aims to establish a sustainable infrastructure financing model and to plan investments over the long term. In particular, it provides for strengthening the predictability of transport financing and allocating revenues from future motorway concessions to investment across all modes of transport, including freight.
This text is part of a context where the transport sector remains the main emitter of greenhouse gases in France, which reinforces the need to accelerate the transformation of mobility, including for the transport of goods.
Beyond financing, the framework law also aims to facilitate the deployment of infrastructure necessary for the electrification of heavy goods vehicles, particularly on highways and strategic routes.
Integrated chargers in the decarbonization effort
Another major development: the project plans to directly involve shippers. Shippers could be required to integrate an increasing proportion of transport carried out with zero-emission heavy goods vehicles into their services.
The proposed trajectory is progressive, with a minimum share of 0.5% in 2026 to reach up to 30% in 2035.
This mechanism aims to create a structured demand for zero-emission solutions. The obligation imposed on shippers should help accelerate the adoption of zero-emission technologies and secure carriers’ investments.
Acceleration of the heavy goods vehicle electrification plan
At the same time, the government wants to accelerate the shift from diesel to alternative powertrains. The stated objective is to enable a rapid and large-scale transition to low-emission trucks.
The electrification of heavy goods vehicles is identified as a major lever for reducing CO₂ emissions in freight transport, requiring in particular the deployment of suitable charging infrastructure in depots and on logistics corridors.
A structural transformation of road freight transport
These three developments mark a significant milestone for the sector. The decarbonization of road freight transport is no longer driven solely by technological innovation. It is now embedded in a structured regulatory framework that encourages the entire logistics chain to move towards more sustainable solutions.
Sources : Trans.INFO (loi-cadre pour le transport), Le Journal du Poids Lourd (loi-cadre pour le transport), Présentation du projet de loi-cadre relatif au développement des transports : sécuriser, renforcer et programmer les investissements | Ministères Aménagement du territoire Transition écologique (loi-cadre pour le transport), vie-publique.fr (loi-cadre pour le transport), France Routes (loi-cadre pour le transport), Trésor-Info (plan d’électrification), Direction générale des Entreprises (plan d’électrification).
