Restrictions & Incentives

This LAP investigates:
• The restrictions established for hydrogen L category vehicles using public and private parking places, tunnels and other facilities of the transport network,
• The financial and non-financial incentives provided for hydrogen L category vehicles

Glossary:

Restrictions & Incentives mean the privileges and the restrictions which could be established for hydrogen vehicles by using public and private parking facilities, tunnels other facilities of the transport network.

Pan-European Assessment:

Certain restrictions for hydrogen powered vehicles when using the public transport infrastructure may be imposed in relation to the hydrogen tank on board and their classification as dangerous goods according to ADR. The hydrogen powered L category vehicles have a hydrogen tank which is considerably smaller than that of cars. Due to the relatively low hydrogen quantity stored on board of hydrogen powered motorcycles and quadricycles no serious prohibitions and restrictions are expected when using the elements of the transport network.

Nevertheless, it is possible that the owners of underground parking facilities limit the access of motorcycles fuelled with compressed or liquefied gas. At present, there is no information available about the potential restrictions on transportation of hydrogen powered L category vehicles with train or ferry.

The efforts of the partner countries to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in the transport are focused on promotion of low (zero) emission cars and busses as they together with the trucks and international transport make up 95% of CO2 emissions in the transport sector. Therefore, in mostly all partner countries have not been put in place any support measures for investing in low emission motorcycles, bikes and quadricycles. The existing procurement rules do not apply to the clean L category vehicles. In several countries are provided tax and registration fee exemptions and reductions for low emission vehicles irrespective of their category. Local non-financial incentives such as access to specific lanes and reduced parking fee are available in a few countries.
Is it a barrier?
Yes
Type of Barrier
Economic barriers
Assessment Severity
3
Assessment
UK is generally supportive of ULEVs (incl. motorcycles and quadracycles) as part of CO2 reduction from transport. Mix of restrictions and incentives for different location leaving some confusion over applicability. For the UK FCEVs receive clear recognition of zero emission benefits and clear support schemes – which do not translate to the 2/3 wheel and quadricycle categories (but are more costly to build and certify) leaving them with an economic disadvantage.

Questions:

Question 1 Is there any restriction for hydrogen vehicles? a) use of tunnels i. motorcycles (and bikes) ii. quadricycles b) parking places (e.g. underground) i. motorcycles (and bikes) ii. quadricycles c) ferry i. motorcycles (and bikes) ii. quadricycles d) trains (e.g. Eurotunnel) i. motorcycles (and bikes) ii. quadricycles e) others i. motorcycles (and bikes) ii. quadricycles
a) use of tunnels i. – There are 9 tunnels in the UK where the application of ADR regulations limits transit of vehicles with hazardous products. It is still not clear whether the volume of H2 as fuel for a Motorcycle / quadricycle (which is typically less than 2kg of stored H2) falls in that category. All other tunnels are clear for use ii. – as above b) parking places (e.g. underground) i. – non ii. – no c) ferry i. – will vary by vessel and ventilation arrangements ii. – as above d) trains (e.g. Eurotunnel) i. – Eurotunnel have indicated acceptance of FCEVs and motorbikes but not authorised their carriage. No evidence for other trains ii. – N/a e) others i. – na ii. – na
Question 3 Are there any incentives for hydrogen vehicles? a) access to specific lanes (e.g. bus) i. motorcycles (and bikes) ii. quadricycles b) free/reduced fee parking i. motorcycles (and bikes) ii. quadricycles c) tax incentives i. motorcycles (and bikes) ii. quadricycles d) registration fee reduction i. motorcycles (and bikes) ii. quadricycles e) toll charges exemption (e.g. congestion charge in London) i. motorcycles (and bikes) ii. quadricycles f) public procurement rules i. motorcycles (and bikes) ii. quadricycles g) others i. motorcycles (and bikes) ii. quadricycles
a) access to specific lanes (e.g. bus) i. – Dependent on local traffic authority arrangements which are not uniform across the UK but in London all motorbikes and scooters can use bus lanes ii. – as above b) free/reduced fee parking i. – Dependent on local (traffic) authority arrangements which are not uniform across the UK ii. – tbd c) tax incentives i. – In principle yes – but this currently under review and the level of incentive has not yet been set ii. – as for I d) registration fee reduction i. – No ii. – No e) toll charges exemption (e.g. congestion charge in London) i. – Variable by toll and location (congestion charge not applicable)) ii. – as above f) public procurement rules i. – No experience as yet – in terms of public fleet procurement ii. – same g) others i. – tbd ii. – tbd
Describe the comparable technology and its relevance with regard to hydrogen
e–bikes, e–scooters and e–quadricycles

National legislation:

EU Legislation:

  • Directive 2008/68/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 September 2008 on the inland transport of dangerous goods.
    Extends the uniform rules of ADR to national transport.

    Article 5

    Restrictions on grounds of transport safety

    1. Member States may on grounds of transport safety apply more stringent provisions, with the exception of construction requirements, concerning the national transport of dangerous goods by vehicles, wagons and inland waterway vessels registered or put into circulation within their territory.
  • Council Directive 1999/37/EC of 29 April 1999 on the registration documents for vehicles
    Council Directive 1999/37/EC of 29 April 1999 on the registration documents for vehicles The registration of vehicles in EU, irrespective on the power train or type of fuel is partly regulated by Council Directive 1999/37/EC on the registration documents of vehicles, amended with Directive 2003/127/EC. Both directives are transposed in partner countries and for registration documents applies mutual recognition. Vehicle registration requirements and procedures are subject to the national law.
  • Directive 2009/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles (Clean vehicle directive)
    This Directive requires contracting authorities, contracting entities as well as certain operators to take into account lifetime energy and environmental impacts, including energy consumption and emissions of CO 2 and of certain pollutants, when purchasing road transport vehicles with the objectives of promoting and stimulating the market for clean and energy efficient vehicles and improving the contribution of the transport sector to the environment, climate and energy policies of the Community.
    The Directive also sets the methodology for the calculation of operational lifetime as well as data for the calculation of operational lifetime costs of road transport vehicles, including hydrogen