EU Parliament Loosens Reins on Car Manufacturers' CO2 Emissions
Car producers face reduced emissions regulations, following a vote in the European Parliament. - Car makers face loosened carbon dioxide emission restrictions, as a parliamentary decision is made.
The European Parliament has given automakers a break, allowing them to breathe a bit easier when it comes to meeting strict CO2 emissions targets. Instead of standing by tight annual emissions standards, car manufacturers can now average their fleet's carbon emissions over three years, from 2025 to 2027.
This leniency, approved by 458 votes in favor, comes from the relaxation of fleet limits - guidelines determining the average carbon dioxide emissions for new cars sold by a manufacturer. Each company is given an individual value, which decreases annually and is set to reach zero by 2035, effectively signaling the end of new combustion engine cars.
Some heavy hitters in the auto industry, such as Volkswagen and Renault, have faced challenges in meeting the tougher emissions standards. They've been pleading for more flexibility in Brussels, as failure to meet EU targets could lead to hefty fines.
The 27 EU member states still need to formally endorse the change in law, but they've already agreed to it in a majority vote on Wednesday. Not only does the law allow for this three-year averaging, but it also provides another escape hatch: manufacturers can form alliances with competitors known as pools, with an average limit applying.
Far-right factions within the European Parliament had put forward proposals to repeal the ban on combustion engines by 2035, but these were not backed by a majority. However, even the European People's Party (EPP) - consisting of the CDU and CSU - is calling for a future reversal of the combustion engine ban.
When it comes to the latest German government, this decision might stir up some controvery once a fundamental review of the law is due at the end of the year. The SPD is adamant about sticking to the current plans, while the Union is more lenient. Even so, both sides have agreed on a vague formulation in the coalition agreement regarding the transition towards zero-emission mobility.
- European Parliament
- EU Parliament
- Strasbourg
- Ursula von der Leyen
Current Status:- Extended Compliance Period: The EU Parliament has extended the time for car manufacturers to meet their CO2 emissions targets, allowing them to average emissions over 2025-2027 instead of adhering to annual targets.- Emission Reduction Targets: Starting in 2025, automakers must aim to reduce fleet-wide emissions by 15% compared to 2021 levels for the 2025-2029 compliance cycle.
Future of Combustion Engine Cars:- Transition to Zero-Emission Mobility: The EU continues to advocate for a shift towards zero-emission mobility, with more stringent emissions regulations in the works.- Regulatory Support: The recent decision offers flexibility as a concession to support the automotive sector during this transition, recognizing the operational pressures carmakers face due to technological innovation and international competition.
- The European Parliament, sitting in Strasbourg, has granted car manufacturers a respite from stringent annual CO2 emissions targets, allowing them to average emissions over a three-year period from 2025 to 2027.
- This leniency, approved by a majority of 458 votes, comes from the relaxation of fleet limits – European Parliament guidelines determining the average carbon dioxide emissions for new cars sold by a manufacturer.
- The new law, yet to be formally endorsed by the 27 EU member states, offers automakers more flexibility as they strive to meet tougher emissions standards, with hefty fines looming for failure to meet EU targets.
- The 2027 guidelines, part of the EU's ongoing efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental science, signal a transition towards zero-emission mobility.
- Meanwhile, debates surrounding the future of combustion engine cars continue in the realm of policy and legislation, with some factions advocating for a repeal of the 2035 ban.
- Though the European People's Party (EPP) has expressed concerns about the 2035 ban, the latest German government faces controversy as a fundamental review of the law nears at the end of the year, with differing views between the SPD and Union on the transition towards zero-emission mobility.
