Incentives for switching to climate-friendly commercial vehicles

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Climate-friendly drive systems are heavier than internal combustion engines. And the construction methods used to improve the aerodynamics for climate-friendly trucks can also affect the length of the vehicles. The Federal Council has therefore decided to increase the maximum permissible weights of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles and vehicle combinations by the additional weight of the zero-emission technology (but by a maximum of two tons). For alternative drives such as natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas, the additional weight compensation is up to one ton. In addition, the Federal Council wants to allow greater lengths for heavy material transport vehicles with aerodynamically optimized driver's cabs. Heavy commercial vehicles may now be equipped with retractable rear spoilers that protrude beyond the otherwise permissible maximum length of the vehicle at the rear when they are folded out.

With the adjustments to these weight regulations and specifications on the lengths of low-emission trucks, Federal Berne aims to make it easier to switch to more climate-friendly vehicles - and to promote the spread of these technologies. They come into force on April 1, 2022

Increased safety for e-bike riders

In order to better recognize e-bike riders in traffic, they must now also ride with lights on during the day. In addition, all fast e-bikes with pedal assistance up to 45 km/h will have to be equipped with a speedometer in order to comply with the speed limit, especially in 20- and 30-mph zones.

According to the information, these rules will come into force in stages: on April 1, 2022, those for driving with lights, and on April 1, 2024, the obligation to be equipped with a speedometer. Vehicles already in circulation must be retrofitted by April 1, 2027.

Source: Confederation

With the adjustments now adopted, the Federal Council is implementing the motion Bourgeois (18.3420 "Compensation of the weight of electric batteries in vans of the 3.5-ton category"). Motor vehicles with a total weight of more than 3500 kg, but no more than 4250 kg, and with no more than nine seats, which exceed the permissible total weight of 3500 kg for light motor vehicles only because of the emission-free drive (battery or hydrogen), are to be allowed to be driven in Switzerland with a category B or BE driver's license (trailer operation). The regulation may cover, for example, corresponding delivery vans or trucks, heavy motorized caravans or heavy vehicles with built-on utility space (e.g. sales vehicles, "food trucks"). These vehicles are also exempt from the Sunday and night driving ban. Anyone who has the additional codes "106" or "3.5 t 106" on their driver's license in subcategory D1 may also drive social vehicles (minibuses) that have a total weight of more than 3500 kg but no more than 4250 kg due to their emission-free drive.

The contribution Incentives for switching to climate-friendly commercial vehicles first appeared on Environment perspectives.