EU to Debate 2020 CO2 Standards

This week the European Parliament will discuss how or whether to enforce a goal that would reduce average carbon dioxide emissions from new cars and light trucks sold in Europe to 95 g/km by 2020.

The European Commission proposed the goal in 2010 under its CARS 2020 Action Plan. In 2011, average CO₂ emissions from the new-vehicle fleet was nearly 136 g/km, according to EC.

Under the current plan, carmakers are to achieve a new-car average of 130 g/km (5.6 l/100 km) by 2015. The proposed 95 g/km target for 2020 equals 4.1 l/100 km.

The debate will address options to enable German luxury car makers to win "supercredits" for their big cars by producing ultra-low or zero-emission vehicles, Reuters notes. Other discussions will review the timetable for standards that apply to light commercial vehicles.

The parliament also will consider possible new goals after 2020, including one that would cut Europe's fleet average to 70 g/km by 2025.