Relaxed CO2 Emission Rules for Car Manufacturers by EU Parliament
Car manufacturers receive approval from the European Parliament to loosen Carbon Dioxide emission standards - Car makers receive approval for reduced CO2 emissions regulations in a parliamentary vote.
Hey there! It's the lowdown on the latest EU Parliament ruling about CO2 emissions in cars. So, get ready for the scoop!
Turns out, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has given car manufacturers a bit of a reprieve. They can now offset the CO2 emissions from their 2022 cars with the emissions from the following two years—2023 and 2024. In other words, if a manufacturer falls short in 2022, they have until 2026 and 2027 to make up for it!
This applies to what's known as the fleet limits, which are the maximum CO2 emissions each manufacturer is allowed for their new cars. And guess what? These limits are set to reach zero by 2035, basically phasing out new internal combustion engine cars as we know them.
Cars from companies like Volkswagen and Renault have been struggling to meet the tightened emission standards. They've pleaded for a more understanding approach in Brussels, as failing to meet EU targets could translate into some hefty fines.
The 27 EU member states have already given this legislative change a thumbs-up, although it has yet to receive formal approval. And here's an interesting tidbit: manufacturers can also form groups with their competitors, and an average limit will then apply, providing another way to skirt penalties.
Now, some members of the European Parliament's far-right factions proposed doing away with the 2035 ban on internal combustion engines, but they didn't garner enough support. Even the European People's Party, which includes the CDU and CSU, is questioning the long-term viability of the ban.
As we approach the end of the year, this could create a bit of a pickle in Germany's newly formed government. Unlike the Union, the SPD is keen on sticking to the ban, so you can bet there'll be some lively discussions ahead!
For those who are curious, here's a bit more background: the original plan required a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2025, with annual targets and hefty fines for non-compliance. But with the new ruling, manufacturers can now comply based on an average over the years 2025–2027, making things a little easier on them.
So, there you have it! The EU Parliament has loosened the reins a bit on CO2 emissions for car manufacturers, but the long-term goal of zero-emission vehicles by 2035 remains intact. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story!
Sources:
- DW
- Bloomberg
- BBC News
- European Commission
- The relief on CO2 emissions for car manufacturers, as proposed by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, allows them to offset emissions from their 2022 cars with the emissions from 2023 and 2024, pushing the deadline to 2026 and 2027.
- The European Parliament plans to impose fleet limits on CO2 emissions, which aim to reach zero by 2035, signaling a phase-out of new internal combustion engine cars.
- In Brussels, car manufacturers like Volkswagen and Renault have sought understanding and flexibility due to the challenges in meeting tightened emissions standards, which could result in substantial fines.
- The European Parliament is considering an average limit for CO2 emissions, enabling manufacturers to form groups with competitors and collectively skirt penalties.
- Far-right factions in the European Parliament have suggested abolishing the 2035 ban on internal combustion engines, but have not generated enough support, while the European People's Party questions the long-term viability of the ban.
