In a landmark decision, the European Parliament has approved groundbreaking CO2 reduction targets for truck and bus manufacturers. By 2030, new vehicles will be required to have CO2 emissions at least 45% lower than those of 2019/2020. This ambitious goal reflects the urgent need for a comprehensive transformation of the heavy-duty transport sector in order to address the pressing issue of climate change.
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) emphasizes that achieving these targets will require a collective effort from both public and private entities within the heavy-duty transport ecosystem. Sigrid de Vries, ACEA’s Director General, highlighted the crucial role of truck and bus manufacturers in decarbonizing road transport. She stated that it is not a matter of “if” but “how fast” the industry can transition to a fossil-free future, and emphasized the importance of favorable enabling conditions and policy frameworks to support manufacturers in this endeavor.
While manufacturers are investing heavily in zero-emission technologies such as battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, several obstacles hinder the transition. The lack of charging and refilling infrastructure, as well as the absence of effective carbon pricing schemes and support measures, pose significant challenges. ACEA asserts that policymakers must address these issues in the CO2 regulation by establishing monitoring mechanisms at the member-state level. This will ensure that any shortcomings in infrastructure or other enabling conditions are promptly identified and resolved. ACEA also emphasizes the need for an incentivizing policy framework to accelerate the green transition in road transport.
To achieve the 45% CO2 reduction target by 2030, more than 400,000 zero-emission trucks will need to be on the roads. This translates to approximately 100,000 new zero-emission trucks registered annually or at least one-third of new sales. Additionally, a minimum of 50,000 publicly accessible chargers and 700 hydrogen refilling stations with a daily capacity of two tonnes will be required.
The new EU regulations for truck and bus manufacturers mark an important step forward in combating climate change and promoting sustainable transport. By setting ambitious CO2 reduction targets, Europe is leading the way in transitioning towards greener and more environmentally-friendly heavy-duty vehicles.
FAQ
What are the new CO2 reduction targets for truck and bus manufacturers in the EU?
The new targets require new vehicles to have CO2 emissions at least 45% lower than those of 2019/2020 by 2030.
What obstacles hinder the transition to zero-emission technologies?
The major obstacles include the lack of charging and refilling infrastructure, ineffective carbon pricing schemes, and inadequate support measures to replace conventional models with zero-emission alternatives.
What will be required to achieve the 45% CO2 reduction target?
To meet the target, more than 400,000 zero-emission trucks will need to be on the roads by 2030, with approximately 100,000 new zero-emissions trucks registered annually or at least one-third of new sales. Moreover, a minimum of 50,000 publicly accessible chargers and 700 hydrogen refilling stations will be required.
How will the EU monitor and address shortcomings in infrastructure and enabling conditions?
The EU will establish annual monitoring of enabling conditions at the member-state level to ensure any shortcomings in infrastructure rollouts or other enabling conditions are promptly addressed.
What role do policymakers play in the green transition of road transport?
Policymakers must recognize the importance of favorable enabling conditions and secure an incentivizing policy framework that accelerates the green transition in road transport.