Recommendation paper of the Platform on the revision of the HDV CO2 emission standards following the Commission’s proposal

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The Platform for electromobility very much welcomes the proposal by the European Commission for revision of the CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles (HDV) and sees the regulation as a fundamental tool to electrify trucks and buses and thus advance the rapid roll out of zero emission vehicles (ZEV) in the road heavy transport sector. Currently, trucks and buses together make about 27% of the EU road transport emissions and trucks make up more than three quarters those. The proposal of the Commission for the revision of HDV CO2 standards falls short to align the CO2 targets for the sector with the EU’s overall -55% GHG reduction target in 2030 and the climate neutrality target of 2050.

In order to transition the road freight sector to zero emission, more ambitious standards are needed to set the right pace and a clear trajectory for manufacturers, logistics operators as well as for the supply chains in the electromobility and automotive industry. Scaling effects in production and technology development in the e-mobility and transport sector contribute to making electric HDVs more competitive and widespread.

Uniting ambitious green supply-side policy making with investments into cleantech industries, as done with the Net Zero Industrial Act, allows Europe to remain a climate leader whilst paving the way for thriving industries. The Platform calls on the European Parliament and Member States to notably strengthen the targets of the HDV CO2 standards, reducing emission, air pollution levels and setting pace for a greening road transport sector.

     The ambitious charging infrastructure targets as finally adopted in the AFIR enabler a successful rollout of ZEVs. Additional private as well as public investments are needed to ensure higher grid capacity to serve the growing trucks and buses charging demand. The revenues from excess emission premiums should be channeled back into the sector for the roll out of the infrastructure network.

Investing in reskilling of workers is essential for both, those currently employed in the HDV manufacturing and therefore see a conversion of current skills, and new ones who will be increasingly specialized in new production value-chain. It can reduce social risk and increase labour resiliency. Other measures such as job-search assistance to jobseekers and income and early retirement support could make the transition more “just”.

The positive effects of electrifying trucks and buses are far-reaching and go beyond reducing Europe’s GHG emissions – accelerating the zero emission HDVs roll out also allows to drastically improve noise and air pollution. The high increase of energy efficiency in the case of BETs is particularly beneficial when road transport accounts for 29% of the EU’s final energy consumption[1]. The Platform for electromobility also wants to highlight that the transition to electric trucks and buses is a considerable opportunity for the European e-mobility value chain and the competitiveness of the economy. Ambitious targets would make Europe a leader in zero emission HDVs and thus further unlock the potential of the e-mobility value chain.

[1] https://theicct.org/transport-could-burn-up-the-eus-entire-carbon-budget/

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