Abstract:

Europe’s current CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) require the emissions of most new trucks to be 15% lower by 2025 and 30% lower by 2030 compared to 2019 reporting period levels.  On February 14, 2023, the European Commission (EC) proposed to revise those standards. The proposal would maintain the 2025 CO2 reduction target and would raise the 2030 target to 45%, while introducing a 65% reduction target for 2035 and a 90% target for 2040. It would expand the scope of these standards to buses, coaches, trailers, and several new types of trucks. The revision also amends the compliance flexibilities of the original standards—phasing out some elements while introducing others. Finally, the proposal changes the definition of a zero-emission vehicle and the penalties for manufacturers.