The European Commission has set out plans to reduce CO2 emissions, air pollution and congestion under a new Clean Mobility Package. The draft law requires CO2 emissions from new cars to be cut by 30% between 2021 and 2030; with an intermediate target of 15% for 2025.
The European Commission says that transport is undergoing a number of technological, economic and social transformations whose pace is accelerating. It says that the EU will drive this transition through targeted legislation and supporting measures, including infrastructure investment, research and innovation to help ensure that the best clean, connected and automated mobility solutions, transport equipment and vehicles will be developed, offered and manufactured in Europe.
The Clean Mobility Package includes the following documents:
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New CO2 standards: including targets both for 2025 and 2030. The 2025 intermediary target ensures that investments are kick-started earlier. The 2030 target is intended to give stability and long-term direction.
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The Clean Vehicles Directive: to promote clean mobility solutions in public procurement tenders and thereby provide a solid boost to the demand and to the further deployment of clean mobility solutions.
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An action plan and investment solutions for the trans-European deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure: The aim to increase the level of ambition of national plans, to increase investment, and improve consumer acceptance.
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The revision of the Combined Transport Directive: to promote the combined use of different modes for freight transport (e.g. lorries and trains) which will make it easier for companies to claim incentives and therefore stimulate the combined use of trucks and trains, barges or ships for the transport of goods.
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The Directive on Passenger Coach Services: to stimulate the development of bus connections over long distances.
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The battery initiative: which the Commission says has strategic importance to the EU's integrated industrial policy
The Financial Times reports that the "target is 50 per cent stricter than carmakers had lobbied for but more lenient than some city authorities and campaigners had demanded".
The Brussels-based NGO Transport and Environment (T&E) said that the removal of penalties for failing to reach the targets will render them ineffective. A spokesman said: "It amounts to handing the global leadership on electric cars to China, which will be delighted to export their models to Europe, jeopardising jobs in Europe’s auto industry.”
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association said the targets were “very aggressive” and “overly challenging”. Erik Jonnaert, secretary-general, said (reported in the FT): “Clearly, CO2 targets can provide an impetus for innovation in the auto industry, but the current proposal is very aggressive when we consider the low and fragmented market penetration of alternatively-powered vehicles across Europe to date.
The Clean Mobility proposals will now be sent to the co-legislators.