Europe Affirms Plan to Cut CO2 from Cars 40% by 2030

The European Parliament has approved a plan that would slash 2021 carbon dioxide emissions from passenger vehicles and light vans 40% by 2030.

EU rules currently require an average reduction in CO₂ levels to 130 g/km, tightening to 95 g/km by 2021. Those targets represent reductions of 18% and 40%, respectively, compared with the fleet average recorded in 2007.

The proposal also demands an intermediate CO₂ reduction of 20% by 2025. An environmental advisory panel had recommended an even stronger 45% reduction by 2030. The plan would fine carmakers for noncompliance and use the funds collected to retrain workers affected by the standard.

The EU notes that transport is the only sector in the region that has failed to deliver a significant decline in greenhouse gas emissions since 1990. Road transport contributes 20% of the bloc’s total such emissions, according to the European Parliament.

The proposed targets, which now face fierce debate at the EU member nation level, are part of the 28-country bloc’s attempt to lower overall greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2030 compared with 2005 levels. If adopted, the measures will guarantee a heavy push for electric vehicles.

European trade group ACEA contends that any CO₂ target greater than 30% is unrealistic and would create great significant upheaval for the region’s auto industry.