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In the EU directive 96/53 are the maximum weights for trucks in international transport. Many European countries also use this provision for national transport. For cross-border transport, this directive allows a higher maximum weight for vehicles running on alternative fuels such as LNG or trucks running electrically. This compensation scheme ensures that a sustainable choice does not come at the expense of payload.
Meanwhile, the regulation applies to both tractor-trailers and combinations. The maximum permitted weight (GCW), of trucks or combinations running on alternative fuels, may be increased by up to 1 ton (i.e. from 40 to 41 tons). For trucks that are completely emission-free through, for example, electric propulsion, an increase of up to 2 tons applies. Incidentally, legal axle loads may never be exceeded in this regard and the regulation only applies to cross-border transport unless the regulations are also included in the legislation of the country in question.
Trucks running on a alternative fuel and are therefore heavier than a regular diesel truck are eligible for the compensation scheme. These can be trucks that run on LNG, CNG, HVO, Biodiesel, DME, et cetera, for example.
In addition, for vehicles that be electrically powered allowed a higher maximum weight of up to 2,000 kg. It is expected that trucks that will run on hydrogen and are therefore heavier than their diesel equivalents will also qualify for such compensation.
The exact additional weight is vehicle-dependent and can be found on the official proofs provided by the manufacturer. It appears, for example, on the vehicle's CVO (certificate of conformity) and on the type plate.
As soon as it appears on CVO and the type plate, it may be used. In practice, however, many transport companies and their clients are not yet aware of it.
The weight compensation scheme for alternative-fuel or electric-powered vehicles is not yet in place for national transportation in all countries. Many countries are still in the process of incorporating the provisions into their vehicle legislation. However, it is already in effect for cross-border transport.
For some time now, the maximum allowed weight in the Benelux has been set at 44 tons. This is in contrast to the EU where 40 tons is the maximum weight for cross-border transport. The Benelux also wants to increase the maximum weight, but it is not yet known when the new provisions will take effect. Once the directive is enacted into law, alternative-fuel vehicles within the Benelux may increase the maximum weight to a maximum of 45 tons and electrically powered trucks may have a maximum train weight of up to 46 tons. As in the European regulation, the increase in the maximum weight depends on the additional weight caused by the alternative fuel or electric drive.
Schenk Tanktransport also uses the European compensation scheme for their LNG trucks for cross-border transport. They can compensate up to 700 kg with their Volvo FH LNG.
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