New CO2 emissions targets that will drastically reduce the number of diesel HGVs that can be sold have been adopted by the European Parliament.

Described as “the most ambitious in the world”, the targets mean CO2 will have to be reduced by 45% between 2030 and 2034; 65% for 2035-2039 and 90% as of 2040.

MEPs have also adopted emissions reduction targets for trailers (7.5%) and semi-trailers (10%) starting from 2030.

The regulation was endorsed with 341 votes in favour, 268 against and 14 abstentions.

The law also requires the European Commission to conduct a detailed review of the effectiveness and impact of the new rules by 2027.

This review will assess whether to apply the rules to small lorries, the role of a methodology for registering HGVs exclusively running on CO2 neutral fuels and the role that a carbon correction factor could have in the transition towards zero-emission HGVs.

Dutch MEP Bas Eickhout said: “The transition towards zero-emission trucks and buses is not only key to meeting our climate targets, but also a crucial driver for cleaner air in our cities. “We are providing clarity for one of the major manufacturing industries in Europe and a strong incentive to invest in electrification and hydrogen.”

Scania’s head of public affairs and partnerships, Jennie Cato, said the manufacturer welcomed the European Parliament’s ambition as it sent a strong signal to the market that the transition was happening now and happening fast: “But to succeed we need equally ambitious enabling conditions, as a whole new ecosystem moving at the same pace is required,” she cautioned.

“The vehicles themselves are not the problem; we already serially produce regional BEVs with a range of up to 350 km.

“Right now, only the supply side is regulated and facing heavy fines when unable to comply with these targets. But our customers must be willing to buy our vehicles, which requires transport buyers to implement strict requirements for sustainable transport.”

Cato added: “Our customers also need access to charging, enough grid capacity, and fossil-free electricity.

“If we want to convince transport operators to go zero-emissions, and meet our ambitious targets, we need to incentivise them with carbon pricing measures, purchase and tax schemes, and much more.”

DAF, Volvo and Renault were also approached.

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