European Parliament committee backs softening the CO2 emissions target for new cars by 2035

Committee lowers emissions target for cars

The European Parliament's environment committee on Wednesday approved a draft that lowers the CO2 emissions reduction target for new cars by 2035 from the current 100% to 87.5%. The vote ended with 48 votes in favor, 30 against and two abstentions, the Anadolu agency reported citing a statement from the parliament. Under current EU rules, a 100% reduction in emissions from new passenger cars and vans is required by 2035, which in effect means the end of sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles. Earlier, the European Commission had proposed a softer option — 90%.

Steel crediting and incentives for electric vehicles

Carmakers will be able to cover the missing 7.5 percentage points up to the 95% figure with credits for the use of low-carbon steel produced in the EU. For vans, the committee proposed lowering the 2030 target to 35% — against 50% under current rules and 40% in the European Commission's proposal — and the 2035 target from 100% to 80%, also with a steel credit capped at 7.5%. The draft expands the definition of zero-emission vehicles to include cars running exclusively on permissible renewable and low-carbon fuels. 'Super-credits' are introduced for small and highly efficient electric vehicles made in the EU: cars no longer than 4.2 meters will be counted as 1.4 vehicles, highly efficient models as 1.2, and if registered under social leasing schemes the coefficients rise even further.

What's next

The changes are part of a broader package of measures to support a clean and competitive European automotive industry, giving manufacturers greater flexibility in meeting emissions targets. However, the committee's decision is only an intermediate step: the draft must be approved by the full European Parliament, with the vote expected at the December plenary session, in order to form the parliament's position for negotiations with the governments of EU member states.