EU sets ambitious emission reduction targets for heavy vehicles
The European Union has officially approved new emission targets for heavy vehicles, with urban buses being treated especially rigorously. The tightened standards mean that the end of diesel-powered vehicles will come sooner than anticipated.
While the ban on the production and sale of internal combustion cars has garnered significant attention, the groundbreaking changes apply to all such vehicles. The European Council has decided to communicate this loudly and clearly.
On 13 May 2024, new regulations on CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles were announced, introducing new reduction targets and additional rules. Over several years, these changes will fundamentally reshape European cities.
The most significant change is the tightening of the target for 2030. Initially, a 30 percent reduction in emissions compared to 1990 levels was envisaged. However, this threshold has now been set at 45 percent. Additional control points were also set for 2035 and 2040:
- 45 percent by 2030
- 65 percent by 2035
- 90 percent by 2040
The target for heavy lorries, those with a Gross Vehicle Weight exceeding 16 long tons, remains at a 15 percent reduction. The EU will soon be able to enforce this provision.
Urban buses highlighted by the EU. They will switch to electric much faster
These standards will cover almost all heavy vehicles, such as articulated lorries, coaches, trailers, and trucks. In 2035, these rules will extend to specialist vehicles. Still, the mentioned levels will not apply to medical services, fire brigades, the armed forces, law enforcement, and the mining or agricultural industries.
However, the situation is different for urban buses. According to the latest European Council regulation, all vehicles must be zero-emission by 2035. By 2030, it is expected that 90 percent of these buses will be zero-emission. Therefore, it is time to prepare for the gradual end of diesel-powered buses.
The EU has decided to introduce an exception for intercity buses. For the purpose of these regulations, they will be treated like coaches and will be subject to the targets mentioned above.
