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46 INTERNATIONAL AWEMainta Diaranson, 18 October 2023

EU Council Agrees on Stricter CO2 Emission

Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles

IN a significant development, the
European Council has reached a

consensus on a proposal to enhance
CO2 emission standards for heavy-
duty vehicles. The primary objective of
these proposed regulations is to further

reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the
road transport sector, aligning with
the European Union’s commitment
to combat climate change. The plan

also establishes new emission reduc-
tion targets for 2030, 2035, and 2040,
bringing the EU closer to its ambitious
climate goals.

The proposal is designed to promote a
greater adoption of zero-emission vehi-
cles within the EU’s heavy-duty vehicle

fleet while preserving and enhancing
innovation and competitiveness in the
sector.

Key Changes Agreed by the Council:
1. Expanded Scope: The regulation will
now encompass nearly all new heavy-
duty vehicles, including smaller trucks, be assessed by the Commission in orative efforts are aimed at advancing

urban buses, coaches, and trailers, 2027, one year earlier than initially the EU’s commitment to a greener and
subjecting them to emission reduction suggested. This review will include an healthier environment while securing
targets. Some exemptions are made assessment of recharging and refueling the competitiveness of the industry.
for specific vehicle categories, such as infrastructure for alternative fuels and

small-volume manufacturers and vehi- the role of a carbon correction factor in The heavy-duty vehicle sector plays
cles used in mining, forestry, agricul- transitioning to zero-emission mobility a significant role in the EU’s carbon
ture, and public services. in the heavy-duty vehicle sector. emissions, making these revised regu-
2. New Emission Reduction Targets: lations a crucial step towards achieving

The Council has maintained the These changes strike a balance the EU’s climate goals. This proposal,
Commission’s proposed targets, intro- between reducing the climate impact while not part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package,
ducing a 45% reduction in emissions of the heavy-duty vehicle sector and aligns with the EU’s objective to reduce
by 2030 (increased from 30%), a 65% allowing member states some flex- net greenhouse gas emissions by at

reduction by 2035, and a substantial ibility in implementing the amended least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990
90% reduction by 2040. regulation. The European Council aims levels, ultimately aiming for climate
3. Zero-Emission Target for Urban to bolster innovation and competitive- neutrality by 2050.
Buses: The proposal includes a 100% ness while addressing environmental

zero-emission target for urban buses concerns. The European Council’s commitment to
by 2035, with an intermediate goal of stringent CO2 emission standards for
85% by 2030. Inter-urban buses are This general approach adopted by the heavy-duty vehicles demonstrates a
exempt from this target. Council will serve as the basis for nego- resolute dedication to a more sustain-

4. Review Clause: The effectiveness tiations with the European Parliament able and eco-friendly future for the
and impact of the new regulation will to finalize the legislation. The collab- European Union.