Mediaroom

Representing the automotive supply and road transport sectors, CLEPA and IRU have addressed a letter to Members of the European Parliament calling for their support in preserving essential technology options under the new CO₂ standards proposal.

The signatories raise that the performance of the future EU road transport sector will very much depend on the technology options allowed by the CO₂ standards regulation, as well as the enabling conditions required to successfully decarbonise the sector. They defend that a technology-open approach that allows for the coexistence of various vehicle propulsion systems is critical for the efficient operation of the single market, including for emergency responses to all types of crises.

The letter proposes 5 key recommendations for the CO₂ regulation standards, to ensure technology diversity and guarantee an efficient decarbonisation of the freight transport sector:

1. 1. Leave adequate space for carbon-neutral fuels in heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) as a long-term solution for sustainable road transport alongside electrification and hydrogen
   2. Implement essential enabling conditions to achieve ambitious CO₂ targets and ensure timely assessment of the legislation’s effectiveness
   3. Exempt high-capacity vehicles from the targets
   4. Include new vehicle groups to the CO₂ emission reduction targets for heavy-duty vehicles
   5. Support regional passenger transport by reshuffling bus and coach targets

In the letter, CLEPA and IRU also raise that, for a well-functioning and stable EU mobility and logistics sector, the EU should allow transport companies to decide which technology is the most suitable for the various types of operations to achieve the common goal of carbon neutrality.