Photo © Stephen Finn – Fotolia
(BRUSSELS) – The European Commission proposed new targets for EU fleet-wide average CO2 emissions of new passenger cars and vans Wednesday, in a bid to accelerate transition to low- and zero emission vehicles.
With countries such as the United States and China showing signs of moving ahead more speedily in implementing the Paris deal, this is seen as an important step forward in implementing the EU’s own commitments under Paris for a binding domestic CO2 reduction of at least 40% till 2030.
EU sales of new passenger cars relative to global sales have decreased from 34% before the financial crisis (2008/2009) to 20% today.
To maintain market shares and to accelerate the transition towards low and zero emission vehicles, the Commission is proposing new targets for the EU fleet wide average CO2 emissions of new passenger cars and vans that will apply from 2025 and 2030 respectively.
The proposals establish rules to help secure a level playing field between actors in the industry operating in Europe. It is also expected to stimulate innovation in new technologies and business models, as well as a more efficient use of all modes for the transport of goods. The EU executive says the proposals are to be boosted by ‘targeted financial instruments to ensure a swift deployment’.
The CO2 emission reduction targets the Commission proposes today are based on sound analysis and broad stakeholder involvement, from NGOs to industry. Both for new cars and vans, the average CO2 emissions will have to be 30% lower in 2030, compared to 2021.
“This is a major leap in the right direction: a modern sustainable European economy with cleaner air in our cities and better integration of renewables into present and future energy systems,” said the Commission’s Energy Union vice-president Maros Sefcovic.
“All dimensions of the challenge are being addressed,” said Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc: “We are promoting cleaner vehicles, making alternative energy more accessible and improving the organisation of our transport system. This will keep Europe and Europeans on the move in a cleaner way.”
The Clean Mobility Package includes the following documents:
- New CO2 standards to help manufacturers to embrace innovation and supply low-emission vehicles to the market. The proposal also includes targets both for 2025 and 2030. The 2025 intermediary target ensures that investments kick-start already now. The 2030 target gives stability and long-term direction to keep up these investments. These targets help pushing the transition from conventional combustion-engine vehicles to clean ones.
- The Clean Vehicles Directive to promote clean mobility solutions in public procurement tenders and thereby provide a solid boost to the demand and to the further deployment of clean mobility solutions.
- An action plan and investment solutions for the trans-European deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure. The aim is to increase the level of ambition of national plans, to increase investment, and improve consumer acceptance.
- The revision of the Combined Transport Directive, which promotes the combined use of different modes for freight transport (e.g. lorries and trains), will make it easier for companies to claim incentives and therefore stimulate the combined use of trucks and trains, barges or ships for the transport of goods.
- The Directive on Passenger Coach Services, to stimulate the development of bus connections over long distances across Europe and offer alternative options to the use of private cars, will contribute to further reducing transport emissions and road congestion. This will offer additional, better quality and more affordable mobility options, particularly for people on low income.
- The battery initiative has strategic importance to the EU’s integrated industrial policy so that the vehicles and other mobility solutions of tomorrow and their components will be invented and produced in the EU.
The Clean Mobility proposals will now be sent to the co-legislators and the Commission calls on all stakeholders to work closely together to ensure the swift adoption and implementation of these different proposals and measures, so that the benefits for the EU’s industry, businesses, workers and citizens can be maximised and generated as soon as possible.
Driving Clean Mobility - background guide
DG Mobility and Transport: Clean Mobility Package, including documents adopted by the Commission
