Promoting Zero- Emission Trucking Across Developing Nations

The trucking sector plays a critical role in a country’s economy. Globally, trucks account for only 4 percent of the on-road fleet but are responsible for 27 percent of greenhouse gas emissions (MacDonnell and Façanha, 2021). In developing nations, trucking demand is growing steadily, driven by the increase in economic output. Zero- emission trucks (ZETs) are a compelling alternative to diesel trucks, lowering operating costs and environmental impact. However, the nascent ZET market faces key challenges, such as the lack of demand and supply, limited infrastructure, and dearth of affordable finance and supportive policies. This policy brief highlights the strategies to fast-track ZET adoption in developing nations. It proposes formulating relevant policies and adopting ambitious targets for ZETs, underlining the need for concerted efforts towards a robust ZET supply chain. The brief also proposes ways to mobilise finance, deploy suitable charging/refuelling infrastructure, and promote research innovation and knowledge exchange to foster the ZET ecosystem in the G20 countries and the developing world.