ETS2 2028: what the delay means for road transport

ETS2: what changes with the delay to 2028

ETS2 is the emissions trading scheme set to cover fuels used in road transport and buildings, putting a price on the carbon they emit. The European Commission has officially pushed back its entry into force from 2027 to 2028, giving affected operators one extra year to prepare.

For carriers, the delay offers temporary relief in an already tight economic climate, but it changes nothing fundamentally: a diesel price increase remains inevitable in the medium term. Preparing for this deadline now is the way to protect margins rather than absorb the shock in 2028.

Solutions to get ahead of the carbon tax

Two sustainable fuels can reduce a road fleet’s carbon footprint right now and prepare for the post-2028 era. HVO (EN 15940 standard) is the only true drop-in fuel: it can be used immediately in many existing vehicles without any modifications, making it a key driver for rapid transition. B100 (EN 14214 standard) is also relevant for decarbonization, but it is not a universal drop-in fuel: its compatibility must be strictly verified on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis, in accordance with each manufacturer’s recommendations.

The choice between HVO and B100 depends on the fleet, its usage patterns and operational constraints: there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Heeding: your partner for a controlled transition

The ETS2 delay should not postpone your fleet's decarbonisation planning: now is the time to act before the constraint becomes a financial one. Heeding is a marketplace that gives access to offers from multiple sustainable fuel producers and distributors, letting you compare prices, availability and volumes without depending on a single supplier.