CITIZENSHIP EU CO₂ EMISSION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR NEW HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES In February 2023 and in line with the objectives, the European Commission has proposed ambitious CO₂ emissions targets for new heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) from 2030 onwards. These targets will help to reduce CO₂ emissions in the transport sector: trucks, city buses, and long-distance buses are responsible for over 6% of total EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and more than 25% of GHG emissions from road transport. European Green Deal CO₂ Reduction phases The Commission proposes stronger CO₂ emissions standards for almost all new HDVs with certified CO₂ emissions, compared to 2019 levels, specifically: phasing in 45% emissions reductions from 2030; 65% emissions reductions from 2035; 90% emissions reduction from 2040. HDV CO₂ emissions Emissions in the HDV sector have been increasing since 2014, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Especially in the sector, emissions are increasing rapidly due to growing road transport demand. In 2019, HDV freight emissions were: freight 44% higher than emissions from the aviation sector; 37% higher than maritime transport emissions. The vast majority of HDVs in the EU fleet currently run on internal combustion engines, fueled largely by imported fossil fuels. Advantages of a common framework The EU is a market leader in the production of trucks and buses, and a common legal framework will help to: Secure the market position for the future; Support the European clean tech industry; international competitiveness. Boost Need for investments To support this proposal, investments need to be channeled into zero-emission vehicles and into the recharging and refueling infrastructure. The Commission has already proposed the “Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation” to develop the necessary charging infrastructure to support the HDVs green transition. In particular, the Commission proposed to install charging and refueling points at regular intervals on major highways: Every 60 kilometers for electric charging; Every 150 kilometers for hydrogen refueling. On top of emission reductions, what are other possible benefits of stronger CO₂ standards for heavy-duty vehicles? 11. In groups, discuss and answer the question. GLOSSARY : : : to boost incoraggiare, promuovere freight trasporto merci to phase in inserire gradualmente