Carbon Footprint
EU Agrees to Stricter CO2 Limits for Trucks and an Effective Diesel Ban by 2040
The European Union is set to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in heavy-duty transportation. Negotiators from the European Parliament and member states have recently agreed on legislation that aims to cut emissions from heavy commercial vehicles by 45% for 2030-2034, 65% for 2035-2039, and 90% from 2040 onwards, compared to 2019 levels.
The European Union is set to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in heavy-duty transportation. Negotiators from the European Parliament and member states have recently agreed on legislation that aims to cut emissions from heavy commercial vehicles by 45% for 2030-2034, 65% for 2035-2039, and 90% from 2040 onwards, compared to 2019 levels.
Regulations Apply to Nearly All Heavy Commercial Vehicles
These regulations will apply to nearly all heavy commercial vehicles, including specialized vehicles like garbage trucks or concrete mixers starting in 2035, as well as city buses, long-distance buses, and trailers. Specific emission reduction targets from 2030 will also apply to trailers (7.5%) and semi-trailers (10%). New city buses are expected to reduce emissions by 90% from 2030, and all new city buses must be emission-free by 2035.
Exemptions and Future Assessments
Initially, the new regulations will not apply to small series manufacturers and vehicles used in mining, forestry, agriculture, disaster response, public order, medical services, fire departments, and the military. The EU Commission plans to review the effectiveness and impact of the regulation in three years.
Meeting CO2 Reduction Goals by 2030 Requires More Electric and Hydrogen Vehicles and Charging Stations
To meet the CO2 reduction targets by 2030, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) estimates that more than 400,000 battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles will need to be on the road, with at least a third of all new vehicle registrations being emission-free models. Accordingly, Europe will require at least 50,000 suitable charging stations (most of them megawatt charging systems) and at least 700 hydrogen fueling stations.