EU proposes to implement 2020 CO₂ emission targets for cars and vans

12 July 2012

The European Commission put forward proposals to implement targets that will further reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from new cars and light commercial vehicles (vans) by 2020.

The mandatory targets for 2020 are already envisioned in existing legislation but require implementation. Following thorough technical and economic analysis by the Commission, the proposed regulations establish the modalities by which the targets would be achieved.

The main provisions of the proposed regulations are:

• For the new car fleet, a CO₂ target value of 95 g/km in 2020 and a mandatory target of 130 g/km in 2015 (down from the emissions of 135.7 g/km reached in 2011).
• For vans, a CO₂ target of 147 g/km in 2020 and a target of 175 g/km in 2015 (down from from 181.4 g/km in 2010).
• The emission target for a manufacturers’ fleet is calculated based on the vehicle weight. The proposed slope factor in the CO₂ calculation for cars is 0.0333 (i.e., for every 100 kg of additional vehicle weight, 3.33 g/km more CO₂ is allowed). The slope factor for vans is 0.0960.
• Manufacturers can receive up to 7 g/km of credits for the use of “innovative technologies” (eco-innovation) the effects of which are not measured over the test cycle.
• Super credits are proposed for low emission vehicles, with specific CO₂ emissions below 35 g/km.
• Penalties: manufacturers who fail to meet their target will have to pay €5 for the first g/km of excess emissions, €15 for the second g/km, €25 for the third g/km and €95 for any additional g/km of excess emissions.

Connie Hedegaard, EU Commissioner for Climate Action, said: “With our proposals we are not only protecting the climate and saving consumers money. We are also boosting innovation and competitiveness in the European automotive industry. And we will create substantial numbers of jobs as a result. This is a clear win-win situation for everyone. This is one more important step towards a competitive, low-carbon economy. More CO₂ reductions beyond 2020 need to be prepared and these will be considered in consultation with stakeholders.”

The proposals will be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council for discussion and adoption. The proposals would amend two existing regulations— Regulation (EC) No 443/2009 (cars) and Regulation (EU) No 510/2011 (vans)—establishing binding requirements for manufacturers to meet the 2015 mandatory target for cars and the 2017 target for vans.

Under the proposal, the Commission will review the emission targets and other aspects of the regulation by 31 December 2014, to establish CO₂ emission targets for beyond 2020.

Source: European Commission