The aim to cut transport emissions is part of the EU ambition to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The European Commission’s new CO2 emissions targets for new heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) from 2030 are as follows:
- 45% emissions reductions from 2030
- 65% emission reductions from 2035
- 90% emissions reduction from 2040
In its statement regarding the proposals, the European Commission said:
“The current HDV emissions standards date from 2019, but are no longer in line with the EU’s climate objectives. Existing legislation does not provide a sufficiently clear and long-term signal to investors and does not reflect the new reality in the energy sector and the rapid developments in the HDV industry globally. The proposed new CO2 standards are in line with the EU’s increased climate ambitions, the Fit for 55 package and the Paris Agreement.”
To support this proposal, the Commission says investments need to be channelled into zero-emission vehicles and into the recharging and refuelling infrastructure.
The Commission adds that it has already proposed the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation to develop the necessary charging infrastructure to support the green transition of the heavy duty vehicles sector.
In particular, the Commission stresses its proposal to install charging and fuelling points at regular intervals on major highways: every 60 kilometres for electric charging and every 150 kilometres for hydrogen refuelling. The Commission writes is working intensively with the co-legislators to finalise the negotiations on these proposals.
Commenting on the plans, Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, said:
“To reach our climate and zero pollution goals all parts of the transport sector have to actively contribute. In 2050, nearly all of the vehicles on our roads have to be zero-emission. Our Climate Law requires it, our cities demand it, and our manufacturers are gearing up for it. With today’s proposal, we are making sure that new trucks are becoming less polluting and that more buses with zero emissions will ride through our cities. Fighting the climate crisis, enhancing the quality of life of our citizens, and boosting Europe’s industrial competitiveness go hand-in-hand.”
Photo: Spielvogel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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