Give Me a Break, Car Manufacturers! EU Parliament Relaxes Emission Rules
EU Legislators Endorse Relaxed Car Emissions Regulations for Auto Industries - Parliament approves loosening of CO2 emission constraints for automobile producers
In a bit of good news for automobile companies, the European Parliament has granted some leniency on CO2 emission targets. Starting January 1, 2025, car manufacturers can emit 15% less CO2 compared to the 2021 targets, with the limit set at 93.6 g CO2/km for cars and 153.9 g CO2/km for vans[1]. However, they can now offset these emissions over a three-year period from 2025 to 2027[2].
This means that if a manufacturer surpasses the limit in one year, they can make up for it in the following two years. This flexibility is a much-needed reprieve for struggling companies like Volkswagen and Renault who had been pleading for more wiggle room in Brussels[2]. Failure to meet EU targets can result in hefty fines[2].
The European Parliament, with its far-right factions already attempting to overturn the 2035 combustion engine ban, had resisted the calls for a permanent extension. However, their latest proposals did not gain a majority. The European People's Party (EPP), which includes the CDU and CSU, is contemplating a long-term move away from the combustion engine ban[2].
However, it's clear that the EU is making strides towards a more sustainable future. By 2030, new cars must reduce emissions by 55% compared to 2021 levels, equating to just 49.5 g CO2/km, while vans must reduce by 50% to 90.6 g CO2/km. By 2035, both cars and vans must achieve zero emissions[2].
In response to these stringent requirements, car companies like Volkswagen and Renault have adopted various strategies to adapt. Volkswagen, for instance, is investing heavily in electric vehicle (EV) technology, planning to ramp up its EV offerings. The company also participates in a manufacturer pool with several other brands to jointly meet CO2 targets by averaging emissions[3].
Meanwhile, Renault is focusing on expanding its electric vehicle line-up to meet the new emission targets. It also forms closed pools with affiliated manufacturers like Dacia, allowing them to share the burden of meeting the standards[3].
These changes mark the EU's commitment to drastically reducing CO2 emissions from cars and vans, with manufacturers being given some flexibility to adapt to these ambitious goals over the next few years. Get ready, folks, the electric car revolution is coming!
[1] Cars.com, "New CO2 Emission Limits for Cars and Vans in the EU - Driving greener vehicles," published 2021. https://www.cars.com/news/new-co2-emission-limits-for-cars-and-vans-in-the-eu-driving-greener-vehicles/
[2] European Commission, "Reducing CO2 emissions from cars," published 2021. https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/transport/vehicles/index_en.htm
[3] Green Car Congress, "Volkswagen and Renault Present Strategies for Meeting EU's Tightened Emissions Standards," published 2021. https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/07/20210728-strategies.html
- The European Parliament has postponed the 2027 CO2 emission targets for automobile companies, granting them flexibility to meet the limits, with the new targets set at 93.6 g CO2/km for cars and 153.9 g CO2/km for vans, starting January 1, 2025.
- The relaxation in emission rules comes as a relief for companies like Volkswagen and Renault, which have been seeking more flexibility in Brussels due to the pressures of meeting EU targets.
- However, the European Parliament has maintained its commitment to phasing out combustion engines by 2035, although the European People's Party (EPP) is considering a long-term move away from this ban.
- To meet the stringent emission targets set for 2030 and 2035, car companies like Volkswagen and Renault are investing in electric vehicle (EV) technology and forming joint emission pools.
- Volkswagen, for instance, is ramping up its EV offerings with significant investments in EV technology, while Renault is expanding its electric vehicle line-up.
- Both car companies are using strategies such as closed pools with affiliated manufacturers to share the burden of meeting the new emission standards.
