The EU's second Emissions Trading System (ETS2) will put a carbon price on diesel starting in 2028, adding an estimated 10 to 25 cents per litre. For fleets running dozens of HGVs across borders, this is a material shift in operating cost that arrives on a fixed date. The article explains how this carbon pricing combines with the EU's VAT in the Digital Age e-invoicing rules from 2030 to create a new cost visibility requirement for haulage operators. Fleets that already capture vehicle-level fuel data and use unified payment systems will be better positioned to negotiate with suppliers and absorb the added cost. The piece focuses on practical preparation rather than policy debate, making it useful for fleet managers and logistics operators who need to plan for these regulatory changes.
