EU Plans to Reduce Vehicles CO2 Emissions by 2030
The European Commission has released new proposals aimed at reducing vehicle CO2 emissions by 2030. The commission wants to introduce a new incentive scheme which will encourage manufacturers to produce more zero and low emission vehicles. The aims of the proposal are to ensure cars and vans emit 15% less CO2 by 2025, and 30% less by 2030.
It’s been agreed by the commission that more pressure needs to be put on manufacturers to develop and produce more options in the hybrid and electric car markets. “The proposed 30% reduction target for passenger cars is ambitious and realistic,” the Commission said. The new targets would be based on new emissions test, the “Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure.”
The commission has acknowledges that these changes will require technical changes in the vehicle manufacturing industry. These higher production costs would lead to higher vehicle prices for customers purchasing new cars in the short term. It has estimated that a new car in 2030 would cost an extra €1000, and a new van could be up to €900 extra. However commission says that “These additional costs are significantly lower than the fuel savings from which consumers will benefit over a vehicle’s lifetime”
Boosting the EU’s Car Manufacturing Market
These new incentives are designed to enhance the EU’s competitive in the global car market. By producing alternative vehicles in the growing eco-friendly car sector, the commission hopes this move will boost EU trade and keep up with competitors like China and the US – saying that “The EU automotive industry risks losing its technological leadership in particular with respect to zero- and low-emission vehicles, with the US, Japan, South Korea and China moving ahead very quickly in this segment”
The commission plans to invest more money into improving charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, as well and spending a further €200m on developing new battery technology. Internal Market Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska said “The EU’s car industry is at a turning point. To maintain its global leadership, and for the sake of our environment and public health, the car industry needs to invest in new and clean technologies,”
Environmental Impact
Although the commission have been credited for their efforts in encouraging manufacturers to produce new electric and hybrid models, some environmental campaigners feel the plans aren’t tough enough and will not be sufficient in protecting the environment or the health of the public. Even though the CO2 limits are considerably lower than they are now, the proposals don’t include any quotas or targets for the number of vehicles manufacturers need to produce.
However, the plans are seen as a step in the right direction. If manufacturers are building new low and zero emission models, we are likely to see an increase in sales. Electric and hybrid vehicles are already increasing in popularity across Europe, and it’s hoped that these plans will accelerate the process.
