In the ‘European Strategy for Low-Emission Mobility’, the European Commission sets out that it will start consulting on new tighter CO2 targets and will also introduce CO2 limits for trucks following the example of the US, China, Japan and Canada. It also confirms 2030 climate targets as the EU looks to eradicate emissions from road transport by 2050.

The document says: “Emissions from lorries, buses and coaches currently represent around a quarter of road transport carbon dioxide emissions and are set to increase by up to 10 per cent between 2010 and 2030.”

The document has three main strategies:

• Accelerating the deployment of low-emission alternative energy for transport.
• Speeding up the transition towards low- and zero-emission vehicles.
• Enhancing the efficiency of the transport system through digital technologies, smart pricing and further encouraging the shift to lower emission transport modes

The strategy has been welcomed by compaign group T&E. Executive director Jos Dings commented: “This is a good plan but whether it works will depend on how effectively the promises are delivered. Cutting transport CO2 emissions will not only tackle climate change but also address energy dependence, cut energy bills and create jobs.”

T&E also welcomed the announcements on targets for trucks plus steps towards a California-style mandate for manufacturers to supply ultra-low or zero-emission vehicles and ideas to measure emissions on the road, saying: “Such a mandate provides certainty and economies of scale that will give Europeans a wider choice in electric vehicles, which they currently lack. Zero-emission vehicles will be indispensable in achieving the full decarbonisation of road transport by 2050.”

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) also welcomed the document, with ACEA secretary general, Erik Jonnaert commenting: “The automobile industry is fully committed to continue reducing CO2 emissions across all business segments, from passenger cars to trucks”.

However, the organisation called for a more balanced approach, addressing all modes of transport – including air, maritime and rail; a view shared by T&E.

The ACEA also greeted the focus on technology neutrality.

“All vehicle manufacturers will continue investing in both internal combustion engines as well as the full range of alternative powertrains that meet the demands of both private and business customers,” stated Mr Jonnaert. “As the Communication rightly points out however, a wider roll-out of infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles is needed to enable a stronger market uptake of zero- or low-emissions vehicles by 2030.”

However, it added while the strategy discusses digital mobility, pricing and energy sources, most of the binding measures proposed relate only to new vehicle technology, with insufficient focus on the other important factors that influence emissions during the use of the vehicle, such as fuels, faster fleet renewal, improving infrastructure, altering driver behaviour, and leveraging the potential of connected and automated vehicles.

Mr Jonnaert added: “Focusing on new vehicle technology alone will have limited environmental benefits. A more effective approach would seek to address the full fleet and look at how these vehicles are used.”