European Parliament backs reduction in CO2 targets for trucks

New measures to strengthen CO2 emission reduction targets for trucks has been backed by the European Parliament. Manufacturers will have to cut the average emissions of new trucks by 45% in 2030, 65% in 2035 and 90% in 2040. Trailer manufacturers will also need to improve the emissions performance of truck trailers by 10% in 2030.

Under the deal agreed by governments and MEPs, the commission will assess making a proposal to register heavy-duty vehicles running only on e-fuels within the next year. Sandra Roling, director of transport at Climate Group, said:

We’ve long called for MEPs to resist attempts to amend the already agreed regulation and not to offer concessions for e-fuels and biofuels. Passing the regulation is a great news – it will hasten the phase-out of polluting combustion engines and sets a clear signal for investment in battery electric technologies for heavy trucking.

The European Commission first published its proposals to decarbonise trucks in February last year.

Fedor Unterlohner, freight manager at Transport and Environment (T&E), said:

European truck manufacturers now have a clear roadmap towards producing only zero-emission vehicles. EU governments already have charging targets that will enable the transition. Hauliers and the freight industry will have the supply of electric and hydrogen trucks they need to live up to their own climate responsibilities. The law agreed is a compromise that gives one of Europe’s biggest polluters a path to go green.

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