The European Parliament wants new limits on CO2 emissions for heavy-duty vehicles

Parliament adopted its negotiating position with 445 votes in favour, 152 against and 30 abstentions

ROME – The European Parliament is ready to start negotiations with EU countries to introduce new limits for the reduction of CO2 emissions from newly produced heavy-duty vehicles.Parliament adopted its negotiating position with 445 votes in favour, 152 against and 30 abstentions.In the text, the deputies ask new targets for reducing CO2 emissions of medium and heavy trucks, including professional vehicles (such as refuse trucks, tipper trucks or concrete mixer trucks) and buses.The proposed objectives consist of one 45% reduction in emissions for the period 2030-2034, 65% for 2035-2039 and 90% starting from 2040. They agree with the Commission's proposal authorize the registration of only new zero-emission city buses starting from 2030, and propose a temporary exemption (until 2035) for urban buses powered by biomethane, under certain conditions.Rapporteur Bas Eickhout (Greens/EFA, NL) said:“Encouraging the transition to zero-emission trucks and buses is critical, not only to achieving our climate goals, but also because it is a critical component of cleaner air in our cities.With our proposal, we are bringing clarity to one of the main manufacturing industries in Europe and are proposing incentives to invest in electrification and hydrogen.We are building on the Commission's proposal, expanding and adapting several objectives and benchmarks to move in step with reality, as the transition is happening faster than expected."Parliament is now ready to start talks with EU governments on the final text of the legislation.