VECTO value of a truck: why it’s becoming increasingly important

The VECTO value of a truck is playing an increasingly important role across Europe. In the past, purchase price and fuel consumption were the main focus. Today, however, CO₂ emissions and VECTO classes are becoming key factors in determining the operational costs of a truck.

This is particularly noticeable in toll and distance-based charges. From July 1st, the system will be tightened again, prompting transport companies and fleet managers to take an even closer look at vehicle specifications.

What is a VECTO value?

VECTO stands for Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool. It is used to calculate the fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of heavy-duty vehicles.

An important point to understand: there is no single VECTO value for a specific truck model. Each vehicle is assigned an individual score based on its exact configuration.

For a standard 4x2 tractor unit, this is relatively straightforward. However, for rigid trucks, the entire body configuration is also included in the calculation. This includes factors such as:

• body type
• unladen weight
• aerodynamics
• tyre size
• spoilers and side skirts
• powertrain and software

As a result, two seemingly identical trucks can still end up with different VECTO scores.

Which trucks are designed with VECTO in mind?

In recent years, manufacturers have increasingly taken VECTO regulations and future CO₂ requirements into account when developing new models. The biggest changes are visible in aerodynamics.

The first trucks where this became clearly visible were the new generation models from DAF Trucks: DAF XD, DAF XF NGD (model year 2021, effectively from 2022 onwards), DAF XG and DAF XG+. Other manufacturers soon followed with similar developments:

• Mercedes-Benz Actros L ProCabin
• Volvo FH Aero
• Volvo FH16 Aero

These cabins are designed with a strong focus on reducing air resistance, improving fuel efficiency and lowering CO₂ emissions. In particular, longer and more rounded cabins deliver advantages within the VECTO system.

Further developments are expected from other brands as well. It is likely that:

• Scania and MAN Truck & Bus will introduce completely new cab concepts later this decade
• Iveco and Ford Trucks will jointly present a new generation of cabins
• Renault Trucks may introduce a VECTO-optimised version of the T-series later this year

Which factors influence the VECTO value?

In general, anything that improves fuel efficiency will also improve the VECTO score. That’s why more and more attention is being paid to specifications when configuring a new truck, such as:

• smaller front tyres
• side skirts
• spoiler kits
• camera systems instead of mirrors
• sealing between spoilers and the cab
• wheel covers
• lightweight components such as aluminium rims
• predictive cruise control

On the other hand, accessories such as spotlights, bull bars, sun visors and other protruding elements often have a negative impact due to increased air resistance.

Post-delivery modifications remain possible

Interestingly, many components can still be modified after delivery. A truck can be optimised at the factory for a favourable VECTO score, after which additions like a sun visor, larger front tyres or extra accessories may still be installed.

This will likely lead to shifts in the parts market. Some aerodynamic components will become more popular, while others may increasingly appear on the used parts market.

VECTO and toll systems in Europe

In Germany, the MAUT toll system has already been linked to CO₂ emissions and VECTO classes for several years. As a result, trucks that have been used internationally since 2023 are often already configured to achieve the most favourable score possible.

Other European countries are following this trend. Austria, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary have either already linked toll systems to CO₂ classes and VECTO scores, or are preparing to do so.

The Netherlands is certainly not an exception. Across nearly the entire EU, the VECTO value is becoming a key factor in transport costs.

Why is VECTO becoming more important?

For transport companies, it ultimately comes down to total cost of ownership. A truck with a favourable VECTO value can:

• reduce toll charges
• lower fuel consumption
• be more attractive on the used market
• be better prepared for future regulations

As a result, factors such as aerodynamics, configuration and efficiency are becoming increasingly important when purchasing new trucks. What used to be mainly a technical decision is now increasingly a financial one.

Do you have questions about the VECTO value of one of our trucks? Feel free to contact us.