Riding the Wave of Change: EU's New CO2 emission Rules for Cars
Anticipated Announcement on Relaxing Car Emission Standards Possible by Thursday - CO2 Emission Limit Relaxation for Cars Slated for Discussion on Thursday
Gear up, car enthusiasts! The European Parliament is about to shake things up with its upcoming decision on CO2 emission rules for cars, potentially altering the automotive landscape.
A Breather for Car Manufacturers
The EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has proposed a break for manufacturers, offering them a chance to offset carbon dioxide emissions from their 2022 vehicles by using the emission values of the subsequent two years (2023 and 2024). This move provides leeway for companies that struggle to meet the stringent 2022 emission targets, allowing them to make up for shortfalls in later years (2026 and 2027)[2][3][4].
Fleet Limits: The Nitty-Gritty
These proposed changes deal with what's known as fleet limits, restraints on the average CO2 emissions of new vehicles sold by a manufacturer. Each automaker is assigned an individual value; these values have steadily decreased this year and are set to reach zero by 2035, marking the end of the road for new combustion engine cars[1].
The Struggle is Real
Big names like Volkswagen and Renault have called for more flexibility in Brussels, fearing fines if they can't meet EU emission targets[1]. To avoid these penalties, manufacturers can form alliances, or "pools," with competitors, adopting an average emission limit for all participating companies[1].
The Road Ahead: Vote and Beyond
Before a final decision is made on Thursday, the European Parliament could propose additional changes—even a rethink of the 2035 combustion engine phase-out, a contentious issue among conservative and far-right politicians. However, any major overhauls would require further negotiations with the 27 EU governments[1].
By the end of the year, a comprehensive review of the law is set to occur. As the new German government wrestles with the combustion engine phase-out, disagreements on the matter could intensify[1]. Unlike the Union, the SPD strongly supports the phase-out, with both parties managing to agree on a general formulation in their coalition contract[1].
So buckle up, auto aficionados, as the future of automotive emissions in Europe is about to take a twist!
- The new CO2 emission rules for cars proposed by the EU Commission could provide relief to automakers struggling to meet the stringent 2022 emission targets, by allowing them to offset their emissions with values from the subsequent two years (2023 and 2024).
- The EU's proposals for fleet limits involve restraints on the average CO2 emissions of new vehicles sold by a manufacturer, with targets decreasing annually and aiming to reach zero by 2035, effectively ending the sale of new combustion engine cars.
- Some major car manufacturers, such as Volkswagen and Renault, have expressed concerns about meeting EU emission targets and having to face potential fines, which could be mitigated by forming alliances, or "pools," with competitors that adopt an average emission limit for all participating companies.
- Prior to the final decision on Thursday, the European Parliament could propose additional changes, including a potential renegotiation of the 2035 combustion engine phase-out. Disagreements surrounding this issue could escalate, especially as the new German government continues to grapple with the issue.
