The Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE) has expressed concern that the European Union is preparing zero-emission regulations for construction sites without involving key industry figures.
Members of the European Parliament (MEP) recently debated the role that construction sites play in high levels of harmful emissions in urban environments. During the discussions, shadow-rapporteur for the EU’s clean vehicles directive (CVD), Seb Dance, presented an amendment for construction machinery to be included within the scope of the CVD legislation. The Socialists & Democrats MEP from the UK, Dance highlighted the efforts made to introduce electric vehicles on construction sites in Oslo, Norway.
In response, the CECE has issued a statement, stating, “We regret the lack of involvement by the organizers of industry trade associations in preparing the event and its background research. However, OEMs such as Liebherr, Wacker Neuson and Pon Equipment Norway commented on the availability of fully electric technology, but also highlighted the difficulties in developing true market solutions for these kinds of products.
“Mentioned limitations are not only linked to battery prices and development, but also to the need to improve on-site electricity supply, the lack of appropriate skills, and the usually higher price that these machines have for end-users.”
