The European Union will relax CO2 reduction targets for truck manufacturers

EU member states approved on Monday the easing of rules on carbon dioxide emission limits for heavy vehicle manufacturers. Automotive concerns sought this. This change will enter into force soon and will apply to the period from 2025 to 2029.

The states' decision is the final step in the legislative procedure. After the regulation is published in the Official Journal of the EU, its provisions will enter into force after 20 days and will apply immediately in all member states.

The new regulations do not change the climate goals previously adopted for heavy vehicles, but are intended to give their producers greater flexibility in adapting to them. In line with the EU's climate goals, new trucks and buses should emit 15% less by 2025. less CO2 compared to 2019. In 2030, this target will be 45 percent, and in 2040 – 90 percent.

The change will allow producers to accumulate credits in the years before the more restrictive target comes into force in 2030. Credits will be awarded for achieving more ambitious indicators in this period than those provided for in EU regulations.

This is the change requested by truck manufacturers: Volvo Trucks, Daimler Truck, Scania, MAN, Iveco and Ford. In October 2025, they called for the EU to provide them with greater flexibility in implementing their climate goals.

Credits will be introduced for trucks weighing over 16 tonnes and certain categories of buses weighing over 7.5 tonnes. This will not apply to city buses, the electrification of which is at an advanced stage in the EU.

In a press release published on Monday, we read that trucks, buses and coaches account for only about 2 percent. vehicles on EU roads, but account for over 25%. greenhouse gas emissions in road transport.

From Brussels Magdalena Cedro (PAP)

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