Print

Dec 15 2017

European Commission’s push on clean vehicles overlooks business incentives and lifecycle emissions

IRU urges the EC to shift the debate from ‘zero-emissions’ to ‘carbon neutrality’ to encompass the full emissions lifescycle.

The European Commission’s (EC) latest drive on decarbonisation is welcomed by IRU, but a more comprehensive definition of ‘clean’, that offers certainty for transport operators looking to invest, is required.

 

The current approach favoured by the EC is set out in its Clean Vehicles Directive and 2030 CO2 standards for cars and vans.

 

The method considers only the emissions generated through fuel consumption and not those emitted during the production of fuel. In the case of electric vehicles (which receive extra recognition), this ignores emissions from battery production and recycling and does not consider whether the electricity was renewably produced or not.

 

The exception is the case of heavy duty natural gas vehicles, which are given extra recognition if the fuel is sourced from biomethane.

 

Matthias Maedge, who leads IRU’s work in the EU said, “Taking a comprehensive ‘lifecycle’ approach would better reflect the costs, benefits and ultimately the sustainability of different alternative fuels and give operators the full range of options to decarbonise their fleets.” Read more

 

 

Source: IRU