Relaxed CO2 Emissions Rules for Car Manufacturers Passed by EU Parliament
Legislative body in Europe approves relaxation of carbon emissions targets for automobile industry - Car makers receive approval for reduced CO2 emission targets from Parliament
Good news for carmakers struggling with tighter emission standards! The European Parliament has approved a breath of fresh air, allowing them to average their carbon dioxide emissions over a three-year period (2025-2027), rather than meeting demanding annual targets. This move aims to ease compliance and smooth the switch to zero-emission mobility [1][2][3].
The Nitty-Gritty
- Averaging Emissions: Car manufacturers can now offset shortfalls in one year by exceeding targets in another, offering some wiggle room during times of shifting consumer preferences and supply chain uncertainties [1][3].
- Compliance Schedule: Starting in 2025, carmakers must bring down fleet-wide emissions by 15% compared to 2021 levels, for the 2025-2029 compliance cycle [1].
- Penalty Evasion: By averaging emissions, auto producers can avoid fines of €95 per gram of CO2 over the limit per kilometer for non-compliant vehicles [2].
What Does This Mean for Internal Combustion Engine Cars?
This decision could have various impacts on the future of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars:
- Short-term reprieve: The flexible emissions targets might slow down the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), offering a temporary leg up to manufacturers producing ICE vehicles without immediate financial repercussions [2][3].
- Medium-term adjustment: EU's ultimate aim to phase out new ICE car sales by 2035 remains, so this measure could just delay the inevitable shift towards EVs. It might, however, grant manufacturers more time to adapt their production lines and create competitive EV models [3].
- Political and environmental implications: The move has drawn flak from environmental groups, who claim it could postpone the introduction of affordable EVs and hinder climate change mitigation efforts. Politically, however, some view it as a necessary step to support the automotive sector during challenging times [3].
In essence, while the measure offers a short-term reprieve to car manufacturers, it doesn't fundamentally alter the long-term objective of phasing out ICE vehicles in the EU. This development is bound to spark debate in the new German government, with differing views between parties [4].
[1] [https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/transport/mobility_low_emission_vehicles_en][2] [https://www.transportenvironment.org/ minutiae/eur-parliament-opens-breacher-car-emissions-rules-amendments][3] [https://sustainabilitytimes.com/eu-parliament-approves-flexibility-for- Luxembourg-carmakers-on-emission-targets/][4] [https://www.dw.com/en/germans-hammer-out-a-coalition-government/a-46875103]
- The European Parliament has approved relaxation in CO2 emissions rules for car manufacturers, allowing them to average their emissions over a three-year period from 2025 to 2027.
- This move aims to ease compliance with emission standards and facilitate the transition to zero-emission mobility.
- Car manufacturers can now offset shortfalls in one year by exceeding targets in another, providing some flexibility during times of changing consumer preferences and supply chain uncertainties.
- Starting in 2025, carmakers must reduce fleet-wide emissions by 15% compared to 2021 levels, for the 2025-2029 compliance cycle.
- By averaging emissions, auto producers can avoid fines of €95 per gram of CO2 over the limit per kilometer for non-compliant vehicles.
- This decision could provide a short-term reprieve to manufacturers producing internal combustion engine cars, delaying the inevitable shift towards electric vehicles in the EU, but it doesn't fundamentally alter the long-term objective of phasing out ICE vehicles in the EU.
