European Agreement Setting Drastic Reduction Targets for Trucks and Coaches
A significant political stride towards climate responsibility has been taken by the European Council and the European Parliament. Both institutions appear to be largely in agreement with the proposed measures by the European Commission to reduce CO2 emissions from trucks over 7.5 tons and coaches. According to the provisional agreement, these vehicles must achieve a reduction of 45% by 2030, followed by 65% by 2035, and an impressive 90% reduction by 2040.
This profound decision acknowledges the limitations of relying solely on efficiency improvements of combustion engines. Large-scale electrification is deemed indispensable, with explicit emphasis on battery electric propulsion and hydrogen with a fuel cell. In specific cases where these technologies do not provide a practical alternative, the possibility of registering diesel trucks and coaches remains after 2040.
The agreement also establishes a few exceptions. Vehicles from manufacturers producing in small quantities are exempt from regulation, as are vehicles for mining, forestry, and agriculture. Military vehicles, fire service vehicles, civil protection, public order, and medical care vehicles are also excluded.
For professional vehicles such as garbage trucks and concrete mixers, a separate regulation is set in place. Although they will only fall under the regulation from 2035, they must comply with a 60% reduction from that point, leaving little room for postponement.
After the approval of the law, the European Commission will conduct an evaluation of the situation in 2027. While the possibility of using climate-neutral synthetic fuels remains open for trucks, no definitive certainty has been obtained in that regard. The provisional agreement must now be approved by representatives of the member states in the Council and the environmental committee of the Parliament before it can be officially published in the Official Journal of the European Union and take effect.
