In 2020, road transport contributed to 24% of the EU's total emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas.
Light-duty vehicles
Light-duty vehicles (passenger cars and vans) produce around 15% of the EU’s CO2 emissions.
Regulation (EU) 2019/631 sets binding CO2 emission targets for the new car and van fleets, which were updated in April 2023 to bring them in line with the EU’s 2030 and 2050 climate objectives.
CO₂ labelling of cars
To help drivers choose new cars with low fuel consumption, EU legislation requires Member States to ensure that relevant information is provided to consumers, including a label showing a car's fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.
Heavy-duty vehicles
Heavy-duty vehicles – trucks and buses – are responsible for more than a quarter of CO2 emissions from road transport in the EU, and for 6% of total EU greenhouse gas emissions.
On 20 June 2019, the European Parliament and the Council adopted a Regulation setting CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles, with targets for reducing the average emissions from new lorries for 2025 and 2030.
Fuel quality
Fuel quality is an important element in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport. EU legislation requires the greenhouse gas intensity of vehicle fuels to be cut by up to 6% by 2020.
Links to related EU policies
- European Commission priorities: European Green Deal
- DG Climate Action: Climate Law and 2030 Climate Target Plan
- DG Mobility and Transport: Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy
- DG Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs: Industrial Policy and Automotive Emissions
Other links
- Commission Expert Group - E02795 for policy development and implementation of CO2 from road vehicles
The information and views set out in the reports and studies published below are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the Commission. The Commission does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in these reports and studies. Neither the Commission nor any person acting on the Commission’s behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Year | Study |
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2023 | Further development and update of VECTO with new technologies report |
2022 | VECTO extension to hybrids and further technical support report |
2020 | Determining the environmental impacts of conventional and alternatively fuelled vehicles through LCA 1. Main report Accompanying documents 2. Summary of the Delphi Survey Round 1 Responses (Appendix A2.1 to the report) 3. Summary of the Delphi Survey Round 2 Responses (Appendix A2.2 to the report) 4. Critical Review report Results viewer: 5a. Introduction 5b. Results viewer |