Europeans agree to drastically cut CO2 emissions from trucks

After cars and light utility vehicles, which will not leave factories equipped with thermal engines after 2035, Europeans have agreed on the future of trucks and buses. On Thursday 18 January, twenty-seven and the European Parliament signed an agreement to reduce CO emissions to almost zero.₂ Heavy goods vehicles that will be on the market in 2040.

“This is a major problem as road transport is responsible for 20% of CO emissions₂

European Union (EU) »Pascal Canfin, President of the European Parliament’s Environment Committee, who is delighted with the text, explains, “We continue the decarbonisation of the road”.

CO emissions₂ New heavy goods vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes as well as intercity buses will have to be reduced by 45% by 2030 (compared to 2019), 65% by 2035 and 90% by 2040. In contrast to what was decided for cars, it was very difficult to impose carbon neutrality on this sector. In fact, today Only 1% of trucks work Hydrogen or electric, while more than 10% of the vehicle fleet, before the European law, was already driving without CO emissions.₂. So the step to take is significantly higher.

“Work on Aerodynamics”

From 2035, these objectives will also apply to commercial vehicles, such as garbage trucks or of construction. For trailers and semi-trailers, they have to reduce their emissions by 7.5% and 10% respectively by 2030, “What can be done by working on the aerodynamics of their design”, guarantees the source. The new law will not affect only small trucks among utility vehicles and heavy goods vehicles. Even tractors survive it. “In total, Text covers 98% of the truck market”This source continues.

For the NGO Transport & Environment (T&E), the European Roadmap ie“About 30% of trucks sold in 2030 and at least 75% sold in 2040 will be zero emission”. Italy, which tried to obtain an exemption for trucks running on alternative fuels (synthetic or biofuel), was unsuccessful but the Commission later undertook to study the matter. Apart from the manufacturer Iveco, no industrialist in the sector wanted it. “Negotiators resist lobbying from fossil fuel industry”.

T&E rejoices.

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