‘A lot more needs to be done’ to meet CO2 targets – CECRA

Industry experts have warned that “a lot more needs to be done” to meet CO2 emissions reduction targets for heavy-duty vehicles and new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.

The European Commission recently published its proposal to strengthen the CO² emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles.

The proposal, which has been described as “highly ambitious”, sets out the following targets: A 45 per cent emission reduction from 2030; a 65 per cent reduction from 2035; a 90 per cent reduction from 2040 and buses to be zero-emission from 2030.

CECRA, the voice of European vehicle dealers and repairers, has welcomed the proposal but says it has “some serious concerns” about achieving the set targets.

It says that while it supports the European Commission’s efforts in proposing solutions to reduce pollutant emissions, it is “essential they need to remain achievable and affordable”.

According to CECRA, the increased targets set for 2030 and 2035 will be “very challenging” for manufacturers as well as for all other players in the distribution, transport and logistics value chain.

However, CECRA has urged policymakers not to increase the 2030 target and to consider a feasible trajectory towards 2035.

“In order [for the proposal] to be successful, one cannot only rely on setting targets alone. Charging stations that are suited to the specific needs of heavy-duty vehicles are still today almost unavailable,” a spokesperson for CECRA said.

“It will therefore require equally ambitious action from policymakers to ensure charging and refuelling infrastructures are in place in time.

“CECRA appreciates that the proposal includes a review clause that will ensure that in 2028 the Commission needs to assess the progress made towards achieving the emission reduction targets taking into account the technological developments and the importance of a viable and achievable transition.”

In relation to the new CO2 emission targets for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, the European Parliament met yesterday for a plenary session, during which the majority (340 votes in favour, 279 against and 21 abstentions) of the MEPs voted in favour of the new CO2 emissions reduction targets.

The new legislation sets the path towards zero CO2 emissions for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in 2035 (an EU fleet-wide target to reduce CO2 emissions produced by new cars and vans by 100 per cent compared to 2021).

Intermediate emissions reduction targets for 2030 are set at 55 per cent for cars and 50 per cent for vans.

CECRA says the legislation contains substantial provisions to ensure appropriate financial measures are made available to deliver a fair transition for the automotive sector in Europe in order to safeguard jobs and to ensure the competitiveness of the entire European automotive value chain.

“We are of the opinion that these financial measures will be necessary and essential to secure a fair and balanced swift.

“CECRA therefore urges the Commission to now fully focus on setting up measures that would accelerate the fleet renewal by offering European buyers incentives to ensure a smooth transition to zero-emission vehicles,” the spokesperson added.