Search Company:
The European Council has disappointedly voted in support of the Commission’s overly ambitious CO₂ emission reduction targets for trucks and coaches. However, IRU welcomes the more realistic, nuanced targets for buses as well as additional breathing space for high-capacity heavy trucks. These targets will determine the future of energy and heavy-duty vehicle production in the EU.
EU environment ministers have regretfully voted in support of the same emission reduction targets as originally proposed by the European Commission for most vehicle categories in the revision of CO₂ standards for heavy-duty vehicles, which was submitted to EU legislators in February 2023.
As of 2030, the Council supports an unrealistic 45% emission reduction target for manufacturers, representing a 15% increase compared to the current CO₂ standard regulation targets. By 2040, the target will escalate to 90%.
On a positive note, the Council’s general approach offers much-needed flexibility for high-capacity trucks: vehicles which are heavier or longer than standard combinations and for which propulsion alternatives are – currently and in the near future – extremely limited.
For city buses, the Council pushed back on the European Commission’s 100% target for 2035, lowering the 2030 target to 85%. It also made an important distinction between city and intercity buses, recognising the significant differences between urban and interurban buses.
IRU EU Advocacy Director Raluca Marian said, “The Council’s position is really a hit and miss for small and medium-sized operators, the foundation of EU mobility networks and supply chains.
“In practical terms, it means that in only six years’ time, no more than half of newly produced trucks and coaches will have the same technologies we see on the road today. This completely ignores the reality that the infrastructure for zero-emission vehicles will not be ready for massive deployment in urban areas and networks of EU roads. Even the current 30% target is challenging to reach.
“Even though the Council kept a small 10% margin for carbon-neutral fuelled trucks beyond 2040, this window might prove to be too little to incentivise manufacturers and fuel producers to build and support carbon-neutral trucks, which are absolutely necessary for certain operations.
“It’s a bit better on the passenger side. We welcome the Council’s injection of nuance and dose of reality into the legislation by clarifying the distinction between city and intercity buses.” Read more
Source: IRU
