EU countries believe that for some types of transportation vehicles, so few are produced and sold that there is no market to prompt car manufacturers to switch to new models. According to the European Parliament, not only trucks, buses, and trailers but also other new commercial vehicles must comply with the set requirements. Examples include garbage trucks or concrete mixers, as well as other work vehicles on the road.
An ambitious part of the tightened law is a 100% reduction target for new city buses by 2030, with an exception for coaches and buses on regional bus routes. For freight traffic, the targets will be: 45% less CO2 emissions by 2030, 65% by 2035, and 90% by 2040. The European Parliament preferred a complete halt to the production of all new combustion engine cars by 2040, but that proved too controversial.
Similar plans are also in preparation for shipping and aviation. These sectors must also drastically reduce their nitrogen emissions within the EU. The Dutch Member of the European Parliament Bas Eickhout (GreenLeft) was the author of the report. 'The switch to exhaust-free trucks and buses is not only key to achieving our climate goals, but also a crucial driver for cleaner air in our cities,' he said.
The stricter criteria are part of the package that Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra will soon bring to the international climate conference COP28 in Dubai. The European Parliament wants the EU to push hard at that climate summit for a deadline to end the use of fossil fuels. Production of sustainable energy must also be tripled and energy efficiency doubled by 2030.
The Dutch Member of the European Parliament Mo Chahim (PvdA) said he will watch at COP28 whether Climate Commissioner Hoekstra keeps the promises made at his appointment. “Hoekstra promised to advocate for climate justice and a climate damage fund. I will be vigilant that he adheres to this. Now it is up to him to show leadership on behalf of the EU and convince other countries to increase their contributions to keep the 1.5-degree warming target within reach.”