Daimler Truck warns EU CO2 rules risk its survival while debuting hydrogen trucks

Daimler Truck, Germany's largest truck manufacturer, says the EU's 2030 CO₂ reduction target – a 45% cut for heavy vehicles – could be existential. CEO Karin Radström told Politico that missing each percent point would cost €120 million, with fines up to €300,000 per vehicle. The company argues that insufficient charging infrastructure and high operating costs make the target unattainable; only 2 % of heavy trucks are electric in 2025. Renault Trucks Germany voiced similar concerns.

At the same time, Daimler Truck is delivering the first of its second‑generation fuel‑cell “NextGenH2” trucks to logistics provider Dachser. The initial unit will be placed at Dachser’s Karlsruhe hub by December 2026, with two more expected by mid‑2027, and will be integrated into existing transport routes.