New truck carbon targets ‘too ambitious’

Europe’s truck manufacturers have criticised a demand by the EU to reduce heavy vehicle CO₂ emissions by over one-third by 2030 as unattainable.

The European Parliament’s Environment Committee recently voted to overthrow a previously agreed mandatory cut of 15 per cent by 2025 and a voluntary reduction of 30 per cent by 2030, with mandatory cuts of 20 per cent by 2025 and 35 per cent by 2030.

An additional measure of five per cent of all trucks sold in 2025 being low or zero emission, rising to 20 per cent by 2030, was also imposed.

ACEA said the 35 per cent cut to truck CO₂ levels was “extremely stringent,” and argued that the originally proposed 30 per cent cut was “already highly challenging.” It said a more realistic target would be a mandatory seven per cut by 2025 and a 15 per cent cut by 2030.

It pointed out that trucks have relatively long development and production cycles when compared to cars, and that electrification of heavy-duty, long-haul trucks was problematic compared to developing electric cars.

Autumn’s IAA Show was notable for the number of electric prototype and concept trucks on display. However, conversations with technical Tier One and Two suppliers confirmed that at least two further generations of heavy-duty diesel engines were under development for the European market (Transport Operator 76).