EU plans to cut CO2 emissions from new HGVs by 30% by 2030

The European Union has announced that it is taking steps to reduce CO2 emissions of lorries. The provisional deal has been agreed upon by the Romanian presidency of the Council as well as European Parliament representatives.

The EU’s new rules will make sure that between 2025 and 2029, all new trucks will emit around 15% less CO2 compared to 2019 emission levels. From 2030 onwards, new trucks will be required to emit around 30% less CO2.

Once implemented, the new rules will be compulsory and truck manufacturers which do not comply will have to pay a financial penalty in the form of an excess emissions premium.   

As well as the new CO2 targets, co-legislators agreed to strengthen the incentive system for zero and low emission vehicles (ZLEVs) in the heavy-duty sector compared to previous targets by the European Commission.   

Graţiela Leocadia Gavrilescu, Romanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment said, “For the first time, we are putting in place CO2 emission reduction targets for heavy-duty vehicles. Today's agreement closes a gap in European environmental legislation. It ensures that the heavy-duty vehicle sector starts contributing its share to our climate goals. We are determined to deliver on the promises which we have made under the Paris Agreement.”

UK based developer and operator of renewable biomethane or Bio-CNG refuelling stations CNG Fuels is enthusiastic about the EU’S new CO2 targets.  

CEO of CNG Fuels Philip Fjeld says, “We welcome the EU’s decision to reduce CO2 emissions from new trucks and buses by 30% by 2030.”

Fjeld continued, “We believe renewable and sustainably sourced biomethane compressed natural gas (CNG) as a road fuel will play the predominant role in meeting the targets for cutting emissions from HGVs. The technology is ready for mass-adoption now, it is significantly cheaper than diesel and typically cuts GHG emissions by up to 85%.”