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Strengthening the CO2 emission performance targets for new heavy-duty vehicles

TA-9-2023-0403 · P9_TA(2023)0403 · PE746.858

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Parliament's amended version of the Commission proposal to strengthen CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles. It sets stricter fleet-wide reduction targets from 2030, a mandatory minimum share of zero-emission urban buses, and rules on credits, transfers and procurement. It removes the zero- and low-emission vehicle incentive from 2030, extends emission credits to 2039, and requires manufacturers to clear remaining emission debts in 2029, 2034 and 2039. It asks the Commission to convene a Zero-Emission HDVs Forum, develop a methodology for CO2-neutral fuels, and review the regulation by 31 December 2027.

Key points

  1. The average CO2 emissions of the Union fleet of new heavy-duty motor vehicles must be reduced by percentages compared to the 2019 reporting period.
  2. Vehicle sub-groups must contribute to the CO2 emission targets as laid down in Annex I, taking into account non-certified vehicles.
  3. Heavy-duty vehicles not attributed to a sub-group must be counted for assessing manufacturers' compliance with the reduction targets.
  4. The Commission must adopt a delegated act within 6 months to harmonise type-approval rules for combustion engine vehicles converted to zero-emission vehicles.
  5. By 30 June 2024, the Commission must propose legislation with binding zero-emission mandates on large fleet operators.
  6. Member States may request to exclude a limited share of vehicles from the urban bus obligation if justified by biomethane investments made before entry into force.
  7. Public procurement for vehicles must take account of energy and environmental impacts, with sustainability weighted 15 to 35% and security of supply 15 to 40%.
  8. The proportion of products or tenders originating in third countries may not exceed 50% of the tender's value.
  9. The Commission must convene a Zero-Emission HDVs Forum within 6 months and each year thereafter.
  10. The Commission must develop a methodology for registering heavy-duty vehicles running exclusively on CO2 neutral fuels by one year from entry into force.
  11. The zero- and low-emission factor must only count zero-emission category N vehicles from 2025 to 2029, based on an 8% benchmark.
  12. Emission credits can be acquired from 2019 to 2039 and used for compliance in the following five years; remaining emission debts must be cleared in 2029, 2034 and 2039.

Who is affected

  • Heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers, who must meet stricter CO2 targets and manage emission credits and debts.
  • Member States, which may request exemptions for urban buses and must support recharging infrastructure.
  • Contracting authorities, which must include sustainability and security of supply criteria in procurement.
  • Large fleet operators, who may face binding zero-emission mandates under a future proposal.

Figures and deadlines

  • At least 55% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 below 1990 levels.
  • 90% reduction in transport sector emissions by 2050.
  • 97% of the urban population exposed to fine particulate matter above WHO guideline levels in 2021.
  • 275 000 premature deaths in Europe attributable to particulate matter in 2020.
  • 64 000 premature deaths attributable to high NO2 concentrations.
  • Zero-emission buses represented 23% of all sales in the Union in 2021.
  • CO2 emissions from vocational vehicles represent around 5% of heavy-duty vehicles emissions and around 10% of sales.
  • Sustainability weighting of 15 to 35% and security of supply weighting of 15 to 40% of award criteria.