The European Parliament recently endorsed a regulation aimed at addressing emissions from new trucks, buses, and trailers. The regulation, which received 341 votes in favor, 268 against, and 14 abstentions, sets ambitious targets for reducing CO2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) over the coming years.
According to the new regulation, CO2 emissions from large trucks and buses will need to be reduced by 45% for the period 2030-2034, 65% for 2035-2039, and 90% as of 2040. Additionally, new urban buses will be required to reduce their emissions by 90% by 2030 and become zero-emission vehicles by 2035. The regulation also sets emissions reduction targets for trailers and semi-trailers, starting from 2030.
One of the key provisions of the law is the requirement for the European Commission to conduct a detailed review of the effectiveness and impact of the new rules by 2027. This review will assess various aspects, including the potential application of the rules to small lorries, the role of a methodology for registering HDVs running on CO2 neutral fuels, and the use of a carbon correction factor in the transition towards zero-emission HDVs.
Rapporteur Bas Eickhout emphasized the importance of the transition towards zero-emission trucks and buses in meeting climate targets and improving air quality in cities. He stated, “We are providing clarity for one of the major manufacturing industries in Europe and a strong incentive to invest in electrification and hydrogen.”
The regulation is a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from road transport in the EU. Heavy-duty vehicles currently account for more than 25% of GHG emissions from road transport and over 6% of total EU GHG emissions. By setting ambitious targets for emissions reduction, the EU aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The next step for the regulation is formal approval by the Council before it can enter into force. The regulation represents a crucial milestone in the EU’s efforts to combat climate change and transition towards a more sustainable transport sector. By setting clear targets and incentives for the industry to invest in cleaner technologies, the EU is paving the way for a greener future for heavy-duty vehicles in Europe.