MEPs approve new CO2 emissions limits for trucks

The new legislation, informally agreed between MEPs and the Romanian Presidency of the Council in February, was adopted with 474 votes in favour, 47 against and 11 abstentions. It requires CO2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and lorries to be reduced by 30%, by 2030, with an intermediate reduction target of 15%, by 2025. Also by 2025, manufacturers will be required to ensure that at least a 2% market share of the sales of new vehicles is made up of zero-and-low-emission vehicles, to counteract steadily increasing road traffic emissions, of which around one quarter is accountable to heavy-duty vehicles. In addition to this, the European Commission will have to propose new post-2030 targets, in 2022, in line with the Paris Agreement. Quote Bas Eickhout (Greens/EFA, NL) rapporteur, said: “It is a great success that the EU is taking action for the first time on CO2 emissions from heavy duty vehicles. The regulation will help to reduce pollution on our roads and to improve air quality. The future of cleaner trucks will be driven by innovation. This legislation should therefore encourage the industry to spur on change and advances in technology.” Next steps The Council will need to formally approve the text before it can enter into force. Background Heavy-duty vehicles are accountable for 27 % of road transport CO2 emissions and almost 5 % of EU greenhouse gas emissions (2016 data). Since 1990, heavy-duty vehicle emissions have increased by 25 % – mainly because of an increase in road freight traffic. These are projected to increase further if new policies are not adopted and enforced.