The Netherlands are now accepting the use of ecocombis (25 metre-long vehicles carrying up to 60 t) on their roads.
The tests conducted have shown that this type of road combination is more economical and cheaper that traditional combinations. It should also be noted that Sweden and Finland also permit ecocombis on their roads, while in Germany, Denmark and Norway, they are currently the subject of tests. In Belgium, exemptions may be requested if the Regions present special routes as part of pilot projects.
In the Netherlands, hauliers are signing up for a test in which hydrogen-powered lorries will benefit from subsidies.
According to the announcement by the Dutch transport minister, Camiel Eurlings, a budget of 5 million euros has been earmarked to aid the success of this initiative.
This sum is not just for trucks though, as the project also covers cars, buses and other vehicles.
According to the Dutch research institute TNO-Delft, Euro 5 SCR trucks (i.e. with AdBlue) emit more nitrogen dioxide when in the urban environment.
TNO-Delft has reached this conclusion on the basis of tests conducted in both the urban and motorway settings.
The organisation also points out that the catalytic converter would only deliver its optimum efficiency from a speed of 80 km/h. So no problem on the motorway, then.
