Did you know light commercial vehicles are responsible for roughly 2.5% of carbon dioxide emissions in the EU?
For the past eight years, the European Union have enforced CO2 emission targets for new vans registered within the EU. The legislation covers light commercial vehicles with a gross weight of no more than 3.5 tonnes, accounting for nearly 12% of all newly registered light-duty vehicles.
By 2017, the EU proposed that new vans should not emit more than 175 grams of CO2 per kilometre (roughly 6.6 litres per 100km of diesel). Impressively, this target was met by 2013, a full four years ahead of schedule. As a result, 2017 saw average emissions of just 156.1 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
Next, the EU set a new target for newly registered vans from 2020.
The target proposed an average emission target of 147 grams of CO2 per kilometre (roughly 5.5 litres per 100km of diesel). There are also specific emission targets for van manufacturers, set using a limit value curve. If a fleet exceeds this target within a given year, the manufacturer will face a penalty and pay an excess emissions premium for each registered van.
On 17th April 2019, the EU introduced new CO2 emission standards for both cars and vans.
Manufacturers must meet these new standards by the time stricter targets are introduced are 2030. The regulation is enforced 1st January 2020 and also encourages the uptake of low emission vehicles. Overall, the goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from road transport by 23% in 2030.
Elsewhere, as Theresa May proposes a net zero emissions legislation by 2050, it seems the UK is determined to challenge climate change. “We must lead the world to a cleaner, greener form of growth,” urges May. “Standing by is not an option. Reaching net zero by 2050 is an ambitious target but it is crucial that we achieve it to ensure we protect our planet for future generations.”