Fraunhofer ISI study climate impact of mega trucks

The Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI) investigates how technical and organizational innovations shape industry and society today and in the future. With its practice oriented research the institute is well accredited by politics, associations and companies as an impartial partner.

The study that was realized on behalf of the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER) examines the long term impact of a possible admission of longer and heavier trucks on the climate.

• The authors conclude that longer and heavier trucks would not have any mid- and long-term potential for reducing greenhouse gasses and air pollutants.

• Supposable CO₂ savings due to increased efficency within the road transport sector would soon be compensated again by the also caused modal shift from the railways. This will lead to a long-term negative impact on the climate.

• The conclusion of the study: The results “lead us to reject the mega trucks concept for environmental, climate and safety reasons.”