EU takes Steps towards Cleaner Trucks

The European Union (EU) has taken its first steps towards cutting CO2 emissions from heavy duty vehicles, it said February 19. The Romanian presidency of the Council of the EU has provisionally agreed with the European Parliament new rules that now need endorsement by member states.

Between 2025 and 2029, new trucks are to emit on average 15% less CO2 compared with this year's emission levels. From 2030 onwards, they will be required to emit on average 30% less CO2. Those targets are binding, and truck manufacturers that do not comply will have to pay a financial penalty in the form of an excess emissions premium.

In addition to setting binding targets, the co-legislators agreed to strengthen the incentive system for zero- and low-emission vehicles (ZLEVs) in the heavy-duty sector compared with what was proposed by the European Commission. Buses and coaches were excluded from the ZLEV system because they can be rewarded through other schemes.

The co-legislators also agreed specific measures which will ensure the availability of robust and reliable data. Data will be obtained through on-board devices which monitor the actual fuel and energy consumption of heavy-duty vehicles.
Already last year, the Council adopted a regulation which provides the technical basis for the new rules by setting out in detail how CO2 emissions will need to be monitored and reported.

CO2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles including lorries, buses and coaches, represent around 6% of total CO2 emissions in the EU and 27% of total road transport CO2 emissions, the council said. Using methane and its even cleaner relative biomethane instead of diesel will lower emissions and almost eliminate the more harmful particulates, although the statement does not recommend any alternative to diesel.

The banner picture is courtesy of CNG Services Ltd. CNGSL says that CNG can cut fuel costs by up to 40% and cut tail-pipe CO2 emissions for dual-fuel trucks by 15%.