Latest EU plans to cut CO2 are ‘potentially unrealistic’
THE EUROPEAN UNION has proposed a 30% cut in CO2 emissions from cars and vans by 2030. It follows an existing target for 2021 in which car makers must achieve a fleet average CO2 target of 95g/km.
The new proposal brings the 2030 target down to a 66g/km fleet average as the European Commission aims to encourage a more widespread adoption and investment in zero-emissions vehicles by car manufacturers.
The 2021 proposals were the first part of a two-step process to reduce Europewide total CO2 emissions by 40%. At the time, the plans came under fire from Mercedes-benz boss Dieter Zetsche, who also said even a 20% target between 2021 and 2030 would be “a steep reduction”.
The push is being presented by the EU as encouragement to develop more electric vehicles, along with the promise of supported battery production facilities and charging infrastructure. However, commissioner for climate action and energy Miguel Arias Cañete suggested levies may be imposed on non-conforming manufacturers. He said: “We need the right targets and the right incentives. Our targets are ambitious, cost-effective and enforceable.”
Mike Hawes, chief executive of UK car industry body SMMT, described the target as “a significant and potentially unrealistic challenge”. He also said it is not solely in the gift of the industry to increase the uptake of lowemission vehicles, and that infrastructure investments and government support are essential.
The Volkswagen Group also said the EU Commission’s draft law “contains some ambitious targets” for the reduction of CO2.