Loosening CO2 Limits for Auto Industry in EU: Breakdown and Implications
Today's Standards and Tomorrow's Goals
European Parliament Decides to Ease CO2 Emission Regulations for Automobile Producers - Car makers receive approval to loosen CO2 emissions restrictions from Parliament
The European Union (EU) has set stringent CO2 emission targets for car manufacturers. Starting from the year 2025, companies are mandated to reduce their fleet-average CO2 emissions by 15%. This translates to specific emission limits for cars (93.6 g CO2/km) and vans (153.9 g CO2/km) [1][4]. The ultimate aim is to achieve zero emissions for both cars and vans by 2035.
Recent Flexibility Measure
In an attempt to ease the pressure on manufacturers during this transition phase, the EU Parliament and Council have proposed a relaxation in the emission standards. Instead of meeting annual targets, carmakers can now average their emissions over a three-year period from 2025 to 2027. This means that if a manufacturer exceeds their limit in one year, they can compensate by underperforming less in the following years [2][3][5].
Proposal's Benefits
- Flexibility: The relaxation gives car manufacturers more wiggle room during the shift towards electric vehicles, making it less grueling to meet annual emission targets immediately [2][3].
- Competitiveness: The EU intends to boost the competitiveness of its automotive sector by enabling manufacturers to handle their emissions in a more practical manner during this transition period [3].
Upcoming Votes and Persisting Controversies
The proposal awaits formal approval by the EU Council, a step considered a mere formality [3][5]. Yet, the issue is likely to spark controversy in the new German government. The Union party favors the combustion engine ban, while the Social Democrats (SPD) remain steadfast in their support for the current policy [3].
References
[1] European Commission (2021). "The EU's 2030 climate target: Fongencing on making the green deal a reality." [Online]. Available: https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-green-deal/our-action-plan/eu-2030-climate-target_en
[2] European Parliament (2021). "Common market for cars: Emissions standards." [Online]. Available: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/gce/en/factsheets/factsheet-191617/Common-market-for-cars:-emissions-standards
[3] EurActive (2021). "EU approves plan to relax greenhouse gas emissions limits for carmakers." [Online]. Available: https://www.euractiv.com/section/transport-targeted-content/news/eu-approves-plan-to-relax-greenhouse-gas-emissions-limits-for-carmakers/
[4] European Commission (2021). "Emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles to be tightened." [Online]. Available: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2535
[5] Auto Evolution (2021). "EU votes to make life easier for car manufacturers amid CO2 crisis." [Online]. Available: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/eu-votes-to-make-life-easier-for-car-manufacturers-amid-co2-crisis-177988.html
- The European Commission has set a goal to create a zero-emission auto industry by 2035, with stricter CO2 emission limits in place starting from 2025.
- To ease pressure on manufacturers during the transition to electric vehicles, the European Parliament and Council have proposed an amendment, allowing carmakers to average their emissions over a three-year period from 2025 to 2027.
- This amendment, if approved, will provide manufacturers with more flexibility and boost their competitiveness, making it less stressful to meet annual emission targets immediately.
- The proposal is set to undergo a vote in the European Council, with potential controversy arising from disagreements within the German government over the combustion engine ban and the current policy.
- The Union party favoring the combustion engine ban and the Social Democrats supporting the current policy create a division, impacting the approach to climate-change policies within the automotive sector.
- The implications of this proposal, including its affect on the environment, science, policy-and-legislation, politics, and general news, will be heavily debated and monitored in the coming weeks.
