CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Gregor Erbach (4th edition),

In May 2018, the Commission proposed a regulation setting the first-ever CO₂ emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles in the EU, as part of the third mobility package. It would require the average CO₂ emissions from new trucks in 2025 to be 15 % lower than in 2019. For 2030, the proposal sets an indicative reduction target of at least 30 % compared to 2019. Special incentives are provided for zero- and low-emission vehicles. The proposed regulation applies to four categories of large trucks, which together account for 65 %-70 % of CO₂ emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. The Commission proposes to review the legislation in 2022 in order to set a binding target for 2030, and to extend its application to smaller trucks, buses, coaches and trailers.

In the European Parliament, the proposal was referred to the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, which adopted its report on 18 October 2018. Parliament voted on the report on 14 November. Trilogue negotiations were concluded on 18 February 2019 with an agreement that sets a legally binding 30 % reduction target for the average fleet emissions of new trucks by 2030. The Parliament adopted it during the April II 2019 plenary session, and the Council on 13 June. The Regulation was published in the Official Journal on 25 July and entered into force on 14 August 2019.

Versions

• August 2019: ‘CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles‘ (4th edition)