CO2 emissions from new cars to be 30% lower, proposes European Commission

The European Commission (EC) proposed yesterday new targets for the EU fleet-wide average CO2 emissions of new passenger cars and vans to help accelerate the transition to low and zero emission vehicles. The average CO2 emissions from new cars and vans will have to be 30% lower in 2030, compared to 2021.

The new targets are part of the Clean Mobility Package which also includes an action plan and investment solutions for the trans-European deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, the Clean Vehicles Directive, the revision of the Combined Transport Directive and the Directive on Passenger Coach Services.

The proposed framework will contribute to the achievement of the EU’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, reduce fuel consumption costs for consumers and strengthen the competitiveness of EU automotive industry and stimulate employment.

Incentives for zero and low-emission vehicles

Average CO2 emissions from new passenger cars registered in the EU in 2025 will have to be 15% and in 2030 30% lower compared to 2021.

The proposal doesn`t have quotas for electric or hydrogen cars. The Commission explained that the EU legislation in this area has always been technology neutral and will continue to be so in the future.

But, in order to increase the deployment of zero and low-emission cars, the proposal includes also a dedicated incentive mechanism for such vehicles.

“Private and public providers of charging infrastructure will have a more credible signal on the future charging demand and can invest with less risk,” the EC said in a statement.

Action Plan on alternative fuel infrastructure

The Commission’s initiatives support the implementation of a European Directive that requires the Member States to provide a minimum infrastructure for alternative fuels such as electricity, hydrogen and natural gas. This Action Plan provides measures to support synergies between national plans, close gaps on the most strategic transport network and ramp up investment in urban areas.

The document includes new funding opportunities with up to EUR 800 million being made available for blending of grants with loans or for financial instruments (debt, loans) under the Connecting Europe Facility.

In addition, the Commission has launched a flagship initiative on batteries alongside this new proposal with additional EUR 200 million to support European battery development and innovation from 2018 to 2020.

The Clean Vehicles Directive

This Directive will promote clean mobility solutions in public procurement tenders.

The Commission is proposing a new initiative covering all relevant procurement practices in a simplified and effective manner. This should increase market uptake leading to lower production costs and lower prices with a positive effect also on private demand.