European Union adopts stricter CO2 standards for trucks and buses

Mon 13 May 2024 View all news

The European Council has formally adopted the regulation on CO2 emission standards which amend and strengthen the existing EU rules. The updated standards will cut CO2 emissions from road transport and introduce new targets for 2030, 2035 and 2040. 

The heavy-duty vehicle sector is responsible for over 25% of greenhouse gas emissions from road transport in the EU. CO2 emission standards for certain heavy-duty vehicles were set for the first time in 2019, with targets for 2025 to 2029 and for 2030 onwards, with provision for a review of the regulation by 2022.

In February 2023, the Commission submitted a proposal for a revision of the standards for heavy-duty vehicles. This revision is an integral part of the 'Fit for 55' legislative package. The updated rules contribute to the EU’s aim of reducing its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Under the revised rules, the scope of the existing regulation will be expanded to make almost all new heavy-duty vehicles with certified CO2 emissions – including smaller trucks, urban buses, coaches and trailers – subject to emission reduction targets.

The new rules maintain the existing 2025 target currently set at a 15% emissions reduction for heavy lorries weighing over 16t. In line with the EU’s climate objectives for 2030 and beyond, the regulation further establishes the following new targets:

  • 45% emissions reduction from 2030 (increased from 30%)
  • 65% emissions reduction from 2035
  • 90% emissions reduction from 2040

The targets will apply to medium lorries, heavy trucks weighing over 7.5t and coaches, as well as to corresponding vocational vehicles from 2035 onwards.

The new rules also introduce a 100% zero-emission target for new urban buses by 2035, with an intermediate target of 90% for this category by 2030. Inter-urban buses will be exempt from the target, as they will be regarded as coaches for the purposes of measuring emissions reduction.

The regulations now include trailers in their scope, with their own set of CO2 reduction targets, driving innovation.

Image: Courtesy Mercedes

 

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