Green investment needs depot charging, cash flow certainty: new positions

Brussels, 08 October 2026 IRU’s two new EU position papers call for semi-public depot charging and 30-day payment terms for road transport services. They address two practical conditions operators need to invest in zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure: charging access and predictable cash flow. The two position papers set out IRU’s recommendations for the EU’s review of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and for tackling late payments in road transport. They focus on two barriers that directly affect operators’ ability to plan, finance and deliver investment while the sector transitions to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said, “Road transport operators are investing in the transition to zero-emission fleets while facing high upfront costs, tight margins and growing operational pressures. They need reliable access to charging that works for their operations, and predictable payment for the services they have already delivered.” “Our two new position papers set out practical EU solutions to make these investments more workable, from a clear framework for semi-private depot charging to a 30-day maximum payment period for road transport services. These are the conditions operators need to plan and invest, helping make the transition scalable on the ground,” she added.

Depot charging: a clearer framework

IRU’s position paper on AFIR’s review calls for an EU-level definition of semi-private depot charging, covering infrastructure that transport operators voluntarily make available to third-party users. Operators should remain free to decide whether to open their depots, with clear EU rules encouraging those willing to do so to contribute to a complementary charging network for ZEVs.

30 days for payment

Charging infrastructure is only part of the investment equation. Operators also need predictable cash flow to renew fleets, adopt new technologies and meet regulatory requirements. Late payments put particular pressure on the sector’s many SMEs and micro-enterprises, which can have limited negotiating power and financial buffers. European Commission figures show that 60% of businesses say they do not invest in innovative solutions due to late payments. IRU is calling for a maximum payment period of 30 calendar days for road transport services, covering both B2B transactions and public contracts, with no derogations. Any acceptance or verification procedure must be included within the 30-day maximum and cannot be used to delay payment. “Cash flow is not an administrative detail for a transport operator,” said Raluca Marian. “It can determine whether a company invests in new technology and innovation, and in the drivers and staff who make every service work. Public funding helps, and we are grateful for it, but operators need money of their own to invest. A financially healthy operator is one that is paid on time for the work it has already delivered.” Tags:IRU EU  Raluca Marian