The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) is seeking to push back plans for even stricter passenger car emissions regulations in Europe, reports Automotive News Europe (ANE). The lobby group is looking for its implementation to take place in 2030 as opposed to the 2025 timeframe which has been earmarked by the European Commission. It has said that it "may not be possible" for OEMs to meet a goal of cutting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by a further 30% from 2005 levels by 2030, according to a position paper drawn up by ACEA and seen by ANE. The paper also said that any progress beyond the current 2021 target of 95 g/km "is achievable only with a considerable level of diesel engine penetration, alongside growing electrification or hybridization levels... This may not be possible considering current anti diesel campaigns and lack of sufficient support at EU and national level for electrification."
Significance: Although the 2021 targets have only recently agreed, legislators are now looking to put together the next milestone for OEMs to meet. The European Commission has committed itself to assessing a new, tougher target of 68 g/km to 78 g/km by 2025. Unsurprisingly, OEMs are keen for this to be pushed back given the technology challenges that will need to be faced in order to meet a reduction of potentially 30% if this is signed off. However, they will face a challenge from the green lobby in Europe which believes more can be done by automakers to cut emissions, while environment ministers of the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Ireland suggest that will encourage the transition to zero-emission powertrains. With some pushing for an agreement on this policy as early as next year, it remains to be seen whether some compromises are reached on implementation, or whether this hoped for timeline will be further pushed back.
