EU reaches deal on near phase-out of diesel trucks

European lawmakers agreed CO2 targets for heavy-duty vehicles that will phase out almost all sales of new diesel trucks by 2040. Manufacturers will have to cut the average emissions of new trucks by 45% in 2030, 65% in 2035 and 90% in 2040. EU governments and MEPs agreed that, from 2035, the targets will also apply to vocational vehicles such as garbage and construction trucks. T&E said this extension will result in an additional 7% of the heavy-duty vehicle market being subject to CO2 targets. The negotiators resisted pressure from the fossil fuel industry to create a loophole in the targets for e-fuels and biofuels.

T&E estimates the EU targets will result in around 30% of trucks sold in 2030, and at least three-quarters in 2040, being zero emissions – electric or hydrogen. After cars, heavy-duty vehicles are the biggest transport polluter in Europe.

Reference