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Car makers receive green light to increase CO2 emissions

Car manufacturers granted relaxation in CO2 emission standards by the European Parliament

Manufacture of Volkwagen electric vehicle ID.3 in Zwickau facility underway
Manufacture of Volkwagen electric vehicle ID.3 in Zwickau facility underway

Chillin' Out on CO2 Emissions: EU Parliament Eases the Strain for Automakers

EU Parliament relaxes CO2 emissions standards for automobile producers - Car makers receive green light to increase CO2 emissions

The EU Parliament has taken it easy on the auto industry, giving them a break from the tight carbon dioxide (CO2) emission limits. Instead of sweatin' it out in 2025, manufacturers can slide into 2026 and 2027 to reach those emission targets, averaging it out over three years[1][2][4]. This move's aim is to beef up the EU's car industry's competitive prowess and form part of a broader blueprint for the automotive realm's future[1][4]. The decision sailed through the vote, scoring 458 yes, 101 no, and 14 abstentions[1][5].

The Emission Game

From the start of 2025, new car and van emitters must slash their CO2 levels by 15% compared to 2021, settling at 93.6 g CO2/km for cars and 153.9 g CO2/km for vans[3]. By 2030, emissions will drop by 55% for new cars and 50% for new vans compared to the 2021 benchmark[3]. The ultimate goal is a CO2-free future for both new cars and vans by 2035, banishing internal combustion engines for good[3].

Tomorrow's Tires

Industry Advantage

The temporary relaxation seeks to keep European automakers on their toes in the competitive market. While providing a breather, it also requires continued investment in electric and hybrid tech to conquer future hurdles[3].

Green Dream

The softened rules might mean higher emissions in the short run, but the ultimate ambition is to accomplish the long-term goal of zero emissions by 2035[3][4]. The EU's grand plan for decarbonizing the transport sector remains steadfast, albeit with a more flexible approach[3].

The Sound of Diesel Dying

  • The End Game: The EU pledges to abolish internal combustion engines in new cars and vans by 2035 with no hiccups on the horizon[3][5].

In brief, the EU Parliament's decision grants breathing space to automakers while maintaining the long-term ambition to slash emissions and ditch internal combustion engines by 2035.

  1. The European Parliament has granted a reprieve to automakers, allowing them to extend the deadline for meeting CO2 emission limits from 2025 to 2026 and 2027.
  2. This decision came as part of a broader policy and legislation aiming to strengthen the competitive position of the EU's car industry and plan for its future.
  3. From 2025, new cars and vans will be required to reduce their CO2 emissions by 15% compared to 2021, with a target of 93.6 g CO2/km for cars and 153.9 g CO2/km for vans.
  4. The ultimate aim is to achieve a CO2-free future for both new cars and vans by 2035, with the elimination of internal combustion engines by that date.
  5. While the relaxed rules might lead to higher emissions in the short term, the European Parliament's long-term ambition remains the reduction of emissions and the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
  6. The European Parliament's decision seeks to maintain the long-term goal of decarbonizing the transport sector while providing flexibility for the automotive industry to continue investing in electric and hybrid technology for the future.

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