PE: trucks and buses to reduce emissions by 90%

On Tuesday, the European Parliament passed a change to the regulation addressing emissions reduction for heavy goods vehicles and buses on European roads. This development comes as a surprise, but it also serves as a powerful motivation to advance the development of alternative technologies for transportation.

A total of 445 Members of Parliament voted in favor, 152 voted against, and 30 abstained. With this decision, the European Parliament expressed its intention to persuade member states to commit to specific targets. These targets include a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from trucks during 2030-34, a 65% reduction during 2035-39, and an ambitious 90% reduction in 2040. Additionally, the Parliament aims for buses to be entirely zero-emission by 2030, with the exception of those powered by biomethane, which would face a ban starting in 2035.

Faster than expected

This year, the community made the decision to prohibit the production of internal combustion engine passenger cars and commercial vehicles starting in 2035. While restrictions for larger vehicles were anticipated, the quick timeline was unexpected. This is particularly challenging because the development of zero-emission technologies for trucks is still in the early stages, and the costs are extremely high. It’s not as surprising that the directive includes (city) buses, as electric public transport has already become a common sight on the streets of European cities.

Hydrogen, electromobility – a signal to accelerate work

The decision by the European Parliament will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for heightened interest and increased financing in the development of electrification technologies for transportation, as well as advancements in hydrogen and fuels produced from waste.

Ministers will decide

The approval of the directive by the European Parliament marks a significant milestone, yet it’s not the final step needed for the new law to take effect. The next crucial phase involves discussions between representatives of the European Parliament and individual Member States, where they will collaborate to finalize the details of the directive.

Trucks currently contribute to 25% of greenhouse gas emissions from road transport in the European Union, and the sector as a whole is responsible for 6% of the Community’s total emissions. The primary contributors to emissions are the energy, heating, industry, and construction sectors.