EUROPEAN COMMISSION PROPOSES RULES TO CUT TRANSPORT EMISSIONS
The European Commission has put forward new proposals aimed at reducing emissions in the transport and logistics sector to reach the target of cutting CO2 emissions by 90% by 2050.
The proposals include measures related to the weights and dimensions of cross-border transport vehicles, incentives for zero-emission vehicles and adjustments to the size of heavy-duty vehicles to accommodate electric vehicle batteries. The Commission hopes to increase the operational efficiency of transport companies and reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Veículo eléctrico de 64 toneladas — Source: Scania
Despite support for the initiative, industry is concerned about two proposed deadlines: the limitation of the flexibility of standard vehicle combinations in international transport after 2035 and the restriction of cross-border testing with the European Modular System for 5 years without renewal. Raluca Marian (IRU representative to the European Union) emphasized the importance of maintaining technology neutrality to avoid limitations on certain types of technologies without appropriate alternatives.
The Commission also presented a common framework to calculate door-to-door greenhouse gas emissions from transport services, promoting transparency and comparability between companies. IRU supported the initiative but expressed concern about proposed deadlines and highlighted the importance of allowing time to find consensus before the next European elections