EU proposes CO₂ emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles

17 May 2018

The European Commission presented a legislative proposal setting the first ever CO₂ emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles in the EU. The proposed targets for average CO₂ emissions from new lorries are:

• In 2025, 15% lower than in 2019
• In 2030, at least 30% lower than in 2019 (indicative target, subject to review in 2022)

As a first step, the CO₂ emission standards are proposed for large lorries—with a gross vehicle weight over 16 tonnes, equipped with 4×2 and 6×2 axle configurations—which account for 65-70% of all CO₂ emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. These large lorries are divided into four regulatory categories, but the above percentage emission reduction targets are the same for each category. In 2022, the scope is to be extended to include other vehicle types such as smaller lorries, buses, coaches and trailers.

The 2019 baseline emissions for each regulated vehicle category will be determined from data collected under the CO₂ emissions monitoring and reporting scheme for heavy-duty vehicles, using the VECTO simulation tool.

The proposal also includes a mechanism to incentivize the uptake of zero- and low-emission vehicles, in a technology-neutral way. The Commission proposes to support these technologies through an incentive system of super credits that will reward those manufacturers who will invest in low emission technologies. The incentive system also includes zero-emission buses which are needed for cleaner air in cities.

The proposal includes several elements to support cost-effective implementation:

• Banking and borrowing to take account of long production cycles, including a reward for early action, while maintaining the environmental integrity of the targets.
• Full flexibility for manufacturers to balance emissions between the different groups of vehicles within their portfolio.
• Vocational vehicles, such as garbage trucks and construction vehicles, are exempted due to their limited potential for cost-efficient CO₂ reduction.

The proposed enforcement measures include (1) collecting, publishing and monitoring of real-world fuel consumption data reported by manufacturers, (2) in-service conformity tests, and (3) financial penalties in case of non-compliance with the CO₂ targets.

The legislative proposal has been submitted to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions for further consideration under the ordinary legislative procedure.

Lorries, buses and coaches produce around a quarter of CO₂ emissions from road transport in the EU and around 6% of the EU’s total CO₂ emissions.

Source: European Commission