New CO2 emissions standards for trucks and heavy goods vehicles

Today, the European Parliament voted by a large majority to approve the new CO2 emissions standards for trucks and other heavy goods vehicles. The CO2 emission standards for new heavy-duty vehicles regulation will see new trucks and heavy goods vehicles reduce their CO2 emissions by 15% by 2025, and by 30% by 2030, compared with 2019 levels. In addition, the European Parliament succeeded in introducing a 2% sales benchmark for zero- and low-emission vehicles as of 2025 to incentivise manufacturers to invest in alternatives to polluting diesel trucks. Trucks and other heavy good vehicles produce around one quarter of CO2 emissions in the road transport sector in the European Union.

Bas Eickhout, European Parliament's rapporteur on the proposal, Greens/EFA MEP and leading candidate in the European elections, comments:

"Trucks and new heavy goods vehicles will need to play their role in driving down emissions, putting us on the road to climate protection and the Paris climate goals. High CO2 standards are a step towards making the road transport takes its fair share of the collective fight against climate change.

"Incentives for the production of low-emission and zero-emission vehicles should encourage the European auto industry to become the global champion of climate-friendly technology and secure jobs. The auto industry should take this opportunity to revolutionise road transport and invest in the development of climate friendly heavy duty vehicles.