Mandatory 20% cut to truck emissions by 2025 attacked by manufacturers

A mandatory 20% cut to CO2 emissions for new trucks by 2025 is “excessively aggressive” and will slow the production process in Europe, manufacturers have warned.

The warning from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) follows a vote by the full European Parliament last week in favor of a mandatory 20% cut in CO2 emissions in new trucks by 2025 and a voluntary 35% by 2030.

MEPs voted 373 to 285 for the measures, which go beyond the original targets recommended by the European Commission (EC) of a mandatory 15% cut in CO2 emissions in new trucks by 2025 and a voluntary 30% cut by 2030.

Erik Jonnaert, ACEA secretary general, said the original targets were “already very challenging.”

He warned that the new 2025 targets could disrupt manufacturers’ production processes by requiring truck makers to fit new technologies to vehicles that are already under development.

Read more

• HGV retrofit part of the emissions puzzle but cost will limit take up, warn experts
• Truck manufacturers slam EU plan to slash truck emissions by a third by 2030
• Two-thirds of HGVs sold from next year will have a fuel consumption and emissions score

He added: “The R&D and production processes of the European truck industry would be negatively affected by these targets, for which the short lead time simply doesn’t match the long development cycles for trucks.”

MEPs also voted for a mandatory target of 5% of all sales of trucks to be zero emission trucks by 2025.

Jonaert condemned the move, accusing MEPs of “blatantly ignoring” the obstacles to electrifying truck fleets, citing high upfront costs, range limitations, limited infrastructure and “reluctant customers.”

The parliament also voted for more stringent checks on truck emissions including an annual testing scheme and on-road tests of vehicles to check the fuel efficiency data provided by manufacturers and prevent any cheating in testing procedures.

However, environmental campaign group Transport & Environment said hauliers will benefit from the tougher targets, pointing to EU research that shows the 2025 target will deliver an additional €14,000 (£12,448) in fuel savings per new truck in its first five years compared to the EC’s original proposal of a 15% reduction.

T&E cleaner trucks officer Stef Cornelis said freight operators across Europe backed the targets and called on national governments to get behind them.

“MEPs have played a key part in moving towards the EU’s climate and transport policy goals. The next question is whether member states will also back the emissions and fuel savings sought by more than 40 major hauliers and businesses such as Carrefour, IKEA and DB Schenker.

"The 5% sales target for zero and low-emission trucks is essential to ensure we develop the market in Europe and start moving beyond diesel,” he added.