European Green Deal: Ambitious new CO2 emissions targets

The European Commission has proposed new CO2 emission targets for new heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) beginning in 2030. These targets will help to reduce CO2 emissions in the transportation sector, as trucks, city buses, and long-distance buses account for more than 6% of total EU GHG emissions and more than 25% of GHG emissions from road transport. These strengthened emissions standards would ensure that this segment of the road transport sector contributes to the transition to zero-emissions mobility as well as the EU's climate and pollution goals.

In comparison to 2019 levels, the Commission proposes phasing in stronger CO2 emissions standards for almost all new HDVs with certified CO2 emissions, specifically:

• 45% reduction in emissions starting in 2030.
• 65% reduction in emissions starting in 2035.
• 90% reduction in emissions starting in 2040.

To stimulate faster deployment of zero-emission buses in cities, the Commission also proposes to make all new city buses zero-emission as of 2030.

In line with the European Green Deal and REPowerEU goals, this proposal will help the energy transition by reducing demand for imported fossil fuels and increasing energy savings and efficiencies in the EU's transportation sector. It will benefit European transportation operators and users by lowering fuel costs and total cost of ownership, as well as ensuring a greater deployment of more energy-efficient vehicles. It will also improve air quality, particularly in cities, as well as Europeans' health.

Furthermore, this is a critical sector for supporting the European clean tech industry and increasing international competitiveness. The EU is a market leader in truck and bus production, and a common legal framework helps to secure that position in the future. The revised standards provide a clear and long-term signal to guide EU industry investments in innovative zero-emission technologies and accelerate the deployment of charging and refueling infrastructure.