EU Parliament: new CO2 targets for cars, 87.5% reduction by 2035

As for the carsMEPs propose to reduce the abatement target of Co2 emissions of the entire vehicle fleet by 2035, bringing it from 100% to 87.5%. Manufacturers could offset the remaining share, set at 7.5% of the EU reference target for 2021, to reach an overall target of 95%, by using credits linked to the use of low-carbon steel produced in the EU.

Per i light commercial vehiclesMEPs propose a reduction target of 35% by 2030, compared to the 40% envisaged in the Commission text and the 50% established by current legislation. The 2035 target would drop from 100% to 80% (again, it would be possible to use credits for low-carbon steel, capped at 7.5%).

From the entry into force of the rules and until the end of 2034, credits for low carbon steel will be able to contribute to the achievement of the specific objectives, both for cars and for light commercial vehicles, for a share not exceeding 3%.

To clarify the application of the new rules, MEPs propose to define “vehicles running exclusively on eligible fuels” as cars and light commercial vehicles that “exclusively” use renewable or low-carbon fuels that comply with certain criteria.

The definition of “zero-emission vehicles” would also come modified to include both vehicles with zero CO2 emissions and Veefs. According to MEPs, when calculating a manufacturer’s average specific CO2 emissions, small electric vehicles (with a maximum length of 4.2 meters and produced in the EU) would be counted as 1.4 vehicles, while highly efficient ones (produced in the EU and complying with strict electricity consumption thresholds) would be counted as 1.2 vehicles.

If the vehicles are registered under a social leasing programme, the multipliers would be increased by 0.1, bringing them to 1.5 and 1.3 respectively. Purely electric vans produced in the EU would be counted as 1.2 vehicles from the entry into force of the regulation until the end of 2034, and as 1.4 vehicles from 2035.

According to the speaker Massimiliano Salini (EPP, Forza Italia), “our agreement marks a turning point for the European automotive industry. It will still be possible to register cars with internal combustion engines without compensation obligations, thus protecting technological freedom and restoring prospects for the entire supply chain”.

Decarbonisation, continues Salini, “does not mean imposing a single technology: in fact, we recognize as zero-emission vehicles even those powered exclusively by renewable fuels compliant with the renewable energy directive, like electric ones. Low carbon emission steel produced in Europe could be used immediately, rewarding European production and strengthening strategic autonomy of the Union”. Parliament’s mandate for negotiations with the Council of the EU is expected to be voted on in the December plenary session.