Share this on social media

EU Parliament support for renewable fuel-powered trucks prompts controversy

(EurActiv, 28 Nov 2023) Green campaigners have condemned the European Parliament’s proposed provisions for trucks running solely on renewable fuels, though the fuels industry insists the move is in line with Europe’s climate goals.

CO2-neutral fuels are highlighted as a climate solution under the Parliament’s position on the EU’s proposed regulation on CO2 standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDVs).

The Parliament’s position, approved on 21 November, would task the European Commission with developing “a methodology” for registering trucks, buses and trailers “running exclusively on CO2-neutral fuels”.

While the text is not explicit, it is presumed that such vehicles would count towards the overall carbon reduction fleet targets that manufacturers must meet. The draft targets mandate a 45% reduction in 2030, 65% in 2035, and 90% as of 2040.

The move to include HDVs running on CO2-neutral fuels in addition to electric and hydrogen vehicles is reminiscent of the debate over passenger car CO2 standards. In a last-minute intervention, Germany, the bloc’s automotive leader, secured an agreement that new synthetic fuel-powered cars could be sold after the zero-emission cut-off date in 2035.

External link

EurActiv, 28 Nov 2023: EU Parliament support for renewable fuel-powered trucks prompts controversy