The European Parliament has just passed legislation aimed at drastically reducing emissions from heavy goods vehicles sold in the European Union. In a vote of 445 in favor, 152 against and 30 abstentions, MEPs approved (too?) ambitious targets for the coming years.

According to the adopted text, emissions from sold heavy vehicles from 2030 will have to be reduced by at least 45% compared to the 2019 level. These strict standards will then be strengthened a 65% reduction in 2035and at last, a 90% drop in 2040. These targets reflect the European Commission’s initial proposal, which was already approved by member states last October.

Professionals will not do

The text indicates that its scope will also be extended to a wider range of heavy goods vehicles, including small and medium trucks. Exceptions established by Member States have been reduced, largely free of police, fire, ambulance and farm vehicles.

On the other hand, the legislation will now apply to certain professional vehicles, such as garbage trucks and concrete mixers, which are considered more accessible to decarbonization.

The end of thermal buses in our cities

The key objective, which was also approved by the parliament, is transition to “zero-emission” buses in European cities from 2030. Although member states want to extend this deadline until 2035, MEPs have limited this extension to strict conditions, especially for communities that have recently upgraded their bus fleet by investing in biomethane.

The transition to cleaner technologies such as electricity and hydrogen is just beginning for heavy-duty diesel trucks. Manufacturers, supporting the initiative, express logistical problems and call for additional measures, particularly regarding charging infrastructure and purchase incentives.

However, a controversial amendment backed by the European People’s Party (EPP) opened the door to the use of “carbon neutral” biofuels and synthetic fuels. Some critics, such as the NGO Transport&Environment, see the provision as a “Trojan horse” for the oil sector, fearing it will continue the dominance of diesel trucks for decades to come.