The European Parliament had hoped that the EU would insist on more stringent cuts to vehicle emissions, although a final decision is not expected until December this year. Here we delve deeper into this hot topic and the likely conclusion.
Car emissions
CO2 emissions for EU cars will need to be 15 per cent lower in 2025 and 35 per cent lower five years after this, compared with the emission limits set for 2021.
Van emissions
The targets for van emissions – as proposed by the European Commission – have been upheld by the European Council, remaining at 15 per cent in 2025 and 30 per cent in 2030. These are EU wide and are based on the average mass of a manufacturer’s vehicle fleet. Although it could be argued that for the individual van driver – who is often more interested in looking after his vehicle by using the latest gadgets and products such as Speedliner – the emissions ruling is of less importance than to a manufacturer, the impact over time will be a major influencer.
Change of plans
The European Parliament had previously voted an average CO2 emissions cut of 40 per cent by 2030 for both cars and vans; furthermore, 35 per cent of these were to be ultra-low emissions. MEPs also voted for a 20 per cent cut in emissions by 2025.
Incentive
The European Council also agreed to offer an incentive for both zero- and low-emission cars, including electric cars and plug-in hybrids. The benchmark for these up until 2030 was raised to 35 per cent. Interestingly, an incentive for manufacturers to sell zero- and low-emission cars was also announced, particularly in areas where there has been little take-up of such vehicles.
Not all good news
Campaigners have received the news that environment ministers are set to introduce 2030 CO2 limits for vans and cars at 35 per cent below 2021 levels with concern. The news has also not been welcomed by vehicle owners throughout the country, whether a van enthusiast doing up his pride and joy with Speedliner from a supplier such as https://www.vehicle-accessories.net/interiors/van-linings/speedliner-euro-fr/ or an executive running up thousands of miles per year.
With the transport industry remaining one of the growth sectors for carbon emissions, the debate will continue until a final decision is made in December.
