EU targets 37.5% CO₂ emissions reductions for new cars by 2030

The European Parliament and the European Council have reached a provisional agreement on CO₂ emissions limits for both new passenger cars and light vans for 2030 to spur the move towards electric vehicles and other alternatives to diesel and petrol. CO₂ emissions will have to decrease by 37.5% for new passenger cars and by 31% for new vans by 2030. The objective will be calculated based on 2021 emission levels while an intermediary step of 15% CO₂ cuts for both passenger cars and vans will be set for 2025.



The European Parliament initially proposed a 40% reduction cuts for both vehicle types, while the European Commission supported a 30% reduction rate. The European carmakers industry criticized the agreement for being unrealistic, fearing a tremendous impact on jobs, while environmental groups estimate it is insufficient to achieve climate change targets.



Discussions are also ongoing regarding buses and trucks and in October 2018, the European Parliament proposed 35% CO₂ cuts for these vehicles by 2030, with an intermediate target of 20% by 2025.