CO₂ emission performance standards for cars and vans

Regulation (EU) 2019/631 currently sets EU fleet-wide carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles (vans) registered in the European Union.

As part of the Fit for 55 legislative package, the European Commission is proposing to revise Regulation (EU) 2019/631, setting more ambitious CO₂ emission targets for new cars and vans from 2030 onward.

This is in line with the EU’s more ambitious target of achieving net emission reductions of at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

Passenger cars and vans are collectively responsible for around 15% of total EU emissions of CO₂. The contribution of these sectors is therefore crucial to achieving the overall EU emissions reduction targets.

• Contribute to the EU’s 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target of at least 55% compared to 1990 levels, and to the 2050 climate neutrality objective, by cost-effectively reducing CO₂ emissions from new cars and vans
• Provide benefits for consumers from the wider deployment of zero-emission vehicles, in terms of better air quality and lower energy expenditure
• Stimulate innovation in zero-emission technologies, thus strengthening the technological leadership and competitiveness of the EU automotive value chain and stimulating employment

The Commission proposes the following EU fleet-wide CO₂ emission reduction targets for new passenger cars and vans as compared to the 2021 target:

• From 1 January 2030: 55 % for cars, and 50 % for vans,
• From 1 January 2035: 100 % for cars, and 100 % for vans.

Specific emission targets are set annually for each manufacturer. These are based on the EU fleet-wide targets and take into account the average mass of the manufacturer’s new vehicles registered in a given year, using a limit value curve.

The Commission also proposes to remove the incentive for zero- and low-emission vehicles from 2030 onwards.

The proposed Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation will ensure the timely availability of the recharging and refuelling infrastructure for the zero-emission vehicles that the strengthened CO₂ standards will bring to the market.

The legislative proposals will be transmitted to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions for further consideration under the ordinary legislative procedure.

In November 2020, the Commission launched a public consultation inviting stakeholders and citizens to share their views on the revision of CO₂ emission standards for cars and vans and its different elements.

Over 1,000 stakeholder contributions were submitted. These were summarised and informed the development of the proposal.

For more information on the stakeholder process, visit the Better Regulation portal.

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