On April 10, the European Parliament moved significantly toward curbing greenhouse gas emissions by approving a mandatory target to slash CO2 emissions from new trucks by 90% by 2040. The regulation, covering emissions from new trucks, buses, and trailers, garnered support from MEPs with 341 votes in favor, 268 against, and 14 abstentions.
The new law mandates reductions in CO2 emissions from large trucks and buses by 45% between 2030 and 2034, 65% from 2035 to 2039, and a remarkable 90% starting in 2040. It also sets reduction targets for trailers (7.5%) and semi-trailers (10%) beginning in 2030.
Despite some last-minute adjustments, the role of e-fuels remains sidelined from the heavy-duty CO2 standards, with the European Commission assigned to evaluate their potential impact by 2027.
The European Commission is tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the effectiveness and repercussions of these new regulations by 2027. This review will look at various aspects, including the potential inclusion of small lorries, methodologies for registering HDVs running on CO2-neutral fuels, and the viability of implementing a carbon correction factor to facilitate the transition toward zero-emission HDVs.
Formal approval from the EU Council is still pending before the agreement can become law. Bas Eickhout, the Rapporteur, emphasized the importance of this transition, not just for meeting climate targets but also for fostering cleaner air in urban areas, stating, “The transition towards zero-emission trucks and buses is not only key to meeting our climate targets but also a crucial driver for cleaner air in our cities. We are providing clarity for one of the major manufacturing industries in Europe and a strong incentive to invest in electrification and hydrogen.”
ACEA, representing leading European truck and bus manufacturers, echoed the urgency for policy action in their Manifesto, urging policymakers to expedite the adoption of zero-emission trucks and buses. They emphasized the critical need for infrastructure development. They cited the suitable public charging infrastructure shortage and called for substantial investment in electric charging and hydrogen refilling stations to meet ambitious CO2 reduction targets.
Walther Ploos van Amstel.