EU Agrees on Ambitious CO2 Emission Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
The EU has reached a political agreement on CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). The deal sets ambitious targets for reducing emissions from trucks and coaches, aiming to phase out diesel trucks by 2040.
The agreement, which is set to come into force in 2025, builds on existing regulations. It introduces a 15 percent reduction target for 2025. By 2030, heavy trucks and coaches must cut their emissions by 45 percent, rising to 65 percent by 2035. The most significant target is a 90 percent reduction by 2040, effectively marking the end of diesel trucks.
Urban buses are also in the spotlight. The deal sets a provisional target of 90 percent zero-emission buses by 2030, with a firm target of 100 percent by 2035. This comes as emissions from the heavy-duty vehicle sector have been rising in recent years, with trucks contributing significantly to pollution in the EU's transportation sector.
Electric trucks, currently at 1.5 percent of the market, are expected to play a crucial role. Sales of heavy-duty vehicles in the EU increased in 2023, with electric truck registrations surging by 234.1 percent. Market leaders like Volvo Trucks, Scania, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, and MAN are at the forefront of this shift.
The EU's agreement on CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles is a significant step towards cleaner transportation. By setting ambitious targets for 2025 to 2040, the EU aims to reduce emissions from trucks and coaches, with electric trucks set to become the norm. This deal will have a substantial impact on the heavy-duty vehicle sector, driving innovation and change.
