EU Panel Clears Plan to Cut Commercial Van Emissions 28%

The European Parliament's environmental committee has approved a draft law that would require light-duty commercial vehicles to reduce their average carbon dioxide emissions to 147 g/km by 2020 from 203 g/km currently.

For 2025, the panel proposes a CO₂ target range of 105 g/km-120 g/km for such vehicles. The committee also agreed to an amendment that would require manufacturers to electronically limit new vans to a top speed of 120 kph (75 mph) beginning next year.

All of the rule's provisions would apply to manufacturers that make more than 1,000 commercial vehicles per year. Automakers could achieve their CO₂ targets in part by earning "super credits" for making vehicles that emit less than 50 g/km of CO₂.

The plan wouldn't become law until approved by EU member states.

Last month the environment committee approved a draft law for cars that would limit their average allowable CO₂ emissions to 95 g/km by 2020. That rule also includes a "super credit" provision.

Separately, the committee urges the EU to switch from the New European Driving Cycle test for emissions and fuel economy to the United Nations' World Light Duty Test Procedure by 2017. The NEDC has been criticized for producing optimistic fuel economy ratings that are virtually impossible to achieve under normal driving conditions.