EU reaches deal to reduce CO2 emissions from trucks

The EU has agreed provisional CO2 targets for trucks that will see manufacturers having to cut the average emissions of new HGVs by 45% in 2030, 65% in 2035 and 90% in 2040.

These targets will apply to heavy trucks over 7.5t and coaches.

The proposed amendment also introduces a 100% zero-emission target for urban buses by 2035, while setting an intermediate target of 90% for this category by 2030.

Sandra Roling, Director of Transport at Climate Group, comments: “The EU’s decision to resist the fossil fuel lobby’s call to allow loopholes for e-fuels and biofuels in CO2 standards for heavy trucks is very welcome. Alternative fuels serve only to prolong the life of the combustion engine, and we simply can’t afford that. The decision today will give businesses confidence to invest in fully zero emission trucks.
 
“The targets to reduce CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030, and 70% by 2035 are a step in the right direction – but businesses have called for far more ambitious targets and a complete phase-out of fossil powered trucks, so this is a missed opportunity. Leading businesses are already committed to this as part of their EV100+ commitment, and greater ambition would have allowed them to transition to clean trucks more quickly.
 
“Trucks account for just 2% of EU’s road traffic but more than a quarter of road transport emissions, causing pollution and climate impacts. Switching to zero emission vehicles as fast as possible will have a hugely positive impact on the health of EU citizens and Europe’s climate.”