Europe Proposes CO2 Emissions Standards for Commercial Trucks
The European Union aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 30% in just 12 years through the federation’s first proposed CO2 emissions standards.

In order to meet goals set for the Paris Climate Agreement, the European Union has proposed its first CO2 emissions regulations for the heavy duty trucks. Photo: Scania
The European Union aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 30% in just 12 years through the federation’s first proposed CO2 emissions standards.
The proposed standards must be approved by individual EU member governments and the European Parliament. The E.U. previously had no overall regulations on fuel economy or CO2 emissions, but after agreeing to join the Paris Climate Agreement, it set a goal of a 40% reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Similar to EPA regulations in the U.S., a large part of the strategy to achieve these emissions goals was to set stringent standards for transportation, particularly the heavy-duty commercial sector, which accounts for a quarter of CO2 vehicle emissions in the E.U.
But some see the proposal as too aggressive.
The European Automobile Manufacturer’s Association (ACEA), which represents seven major EU heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers, has applauded the effort to reduce emissions, with targets set for 2025 and 2030. However, the group said it believes the goals are too ambitious and do not provide adequate time for development of heavy-duty trucks that can meet these standards.
“It would seem as though the Commission has simply taken the exact CO2 reduction levels it already proposed for cars and vans, and applied them directly to heavy-duty vehicles, without fully recognizing the fundamental differences between these vehicle segments,” said Erik Jonnaert, ACEA secretary general.
The International Road Transport Union, a group that represents the global road transport industry, also put its support behind the CO2 emissions standard and goals in theory. But the IRU also said that it was important that clean technologies not drive up vehicle prices beyond what operators can afford.
“The road transport industry will continue its exemplary efforts to make its operations more sustainable and efficient. New technologies must be commercially viable for the sector and sufficient time to transition needs to be accounted for,” said Matthias Maedge, who leads IRU’s work in the E.U.
Related: UPS to Deploy Electric Delivery Vehicles in London, Paris
More Fuel Smarts

How Volvo Updated Its D13 for EPA 2027 [Watch]
Volvo’s updated D13 promises lower emissions without sacrificing performance or fuel economy. Take a closer look at what changed inside the engine in this HDT Spotlight video.
Read More →
Diesel Price Spike Shortens Payback for Natural Gas Trucks, Report Says
Energy Vision estimates fleets could recover the higher purchase price of an RNG-fueled Class 8 tractor in 1.3 to 2.8 years under current fuel-price scenarios.
Read More →
Calstart Becomes Catalyst Mobility, Reflecting Broader Focus
Calstart is now Catalyst Mobility, reflecting the nonprofit’s growing national role in clean transportation, including zero-emission trucks, infrastructure and incentive programs.
Read More →
Record Diesel Prices Squeeze Trucking Fleets
Average U.S. diesel prices have climbed to nearly $6 a gallon, surpassing the 2022 record as tight refinery capacity and Middle East disruptions keep fuel costs elevated.
Read More →
How Fuel Delivery Shapes Engine Performance
Fuel delivery depends on more than what happens at the injector. For fleet, maintenance and technical professionals, looking at the full path from pump to injector can provide useful context for understanding engine performance.
Read More →
East Coast Port Launches $45M Electric Truck Push
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced millions in incentives for zero-emission drayage trucks, yard tractors, and new charging hubs near the port.
Read More →
California Bill Could Shed Light on Electric Truck Prices
Why do battery-electric Class 8 trucks remain so expensive? A California bill headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom would give fleets and state agencies more visibility into what manufacturers charge.
Read More →
Detroit Opens Orders for EPA 2027 Engines
Detroit isn’t starting from scratch to meet EPA 2027 diesel emissions standards. Its Gen 6 DD13 and DD15 engines keep much of today’s platform while updating the fuel and aftertreatment systems.
Read More →
Zero-Emission Truck Corridor Planned for West Coast
California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Baja California are coordinating plans for truck charging and hydrogen fueling from Canada to Mexico.
Read More →A Closer Look at Kenworth’s Electric T880E Vocational Truck [Video]
Learn more about Kenworth's T880E battery-electric vocational truck at the Paccar Technical Center, including its range, applications, upfitting considerations, and PTO options, in this HDT Spotlight video.
Read More →

