The European Commission is set to propose a revision to the existing rules concerning CO2 emissions targets for car manufacturers. This revision would grant automakers a three-year compliance period, providing them with what EC President Ursula von der Leyen described as “more breathing space.” The overall emission targets themselves will remain unchanged.
During a press conference on Monday, von der Leyen emphasized that while the ambition of the targets stays the same, the new plan allows for compliance over three years instead of the current annual demands. The European Union executive is scheduled to release its automotive action plan on Wednesday, aiming to support the EU car industry in electrifying their fleets and competing with their counterparts in China and the United States.
“There’s a clear demand for more flexibility on CO2 targets,” von der Leyen stated to journalists following a meeting with European car industry representatives held in Brussels. Under the proposed plan, which the Commission president intends to table this month for approval by EU capitals and the European Parliament, the overall emissions goals would still be met, but the compliance period would be extended.
Car manufacturers have been under stricter limits for the average carbon dioxide emissions of their vehicle fleets since the beginning of the year. Several manufacturers face the risk of non-compliance, as the sales of battery-powered vehicles in the EU have not risen as initially projected.
