CO₂ reviews

AECC is fully committed to the climate objectives of the EU aiming to have net-zero emission transport by 2050, as laid out in the European Green Deal.

AECC actively engages in ongoing review of CO₂ emissions standards.

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Adoption of ‘Fit for 55’ package proposals

CO2 emission standards for cars and light commercial vehicles

Currently in force:

On 19 April 2023, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2023/851 amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631 to strengthen the CO₂ emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles in line with the European Union’s increased climate ambition.

In particular, the amendment strengthens the emission targets applying from 2030 and sets a 100% reduction target for both cars and vans from 2035 onwards.

Recent update:

In December 2025 the European Commission proposed the Automotive Package that aims at revising the CO₂ emission standards for cars and vans as currently set out in Regulation (EU) 2019/631 as amended by Regulation (EU) 2023/851. In this new proposal, from 2035 onwards, carmakers will need to comply with a 90% tailpipe emissions reduction target, while the remaining 10% emissions will need to be compensated through the use of low-carbon steel Made in the Union, or from e-fuels and biofuels. For now, this proposition has entered the ordinary legislative process.

CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles

In 2023, the Commission proposed a revision of the Regulation on CO₂ emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles. The proposal introduced new, stronger CO₂ emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles from 2030 onwards, and extends the scope of the Regulation to cover smaller trucks, city buses, long-distance buses and trailers.

On 6 June 2024, Regulation 2024/1610 was published in the Official Journal of the European Union and entered into force on 26 June. The Regulation applies from 1 July 2024.

The Regulation does not recognise ReFuels, which will be further considered in the 2027 review.

As part of the Automotive Package proposed by the European Commission in 2025, additional flexibilities were introduced into the heavy-duty vehicle CO₂ emissions framework. Regulation (EU) 2026/1046 was adopted by the co-legislators and published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 7 May 2026.

Under the revised rules, manufacturers can collect emission credits during the reporting periods from 2025 to 2029 when their specific CO₂ emissions fall below the applicable CO₂ emissions reduction trajectory. These credits may then be banked and used to support compliance with future emissions reduction obligations.

Renewable Energy Directive

The Renewable Energy Directive EU/2018/2001 was revised in 2023. The amending Directive EU/2023/2413 entered into force on 20 November 2023.

It sets an overall renewable energy target of at least 42.5% binding at EU level by 2030 – but aiming for 45%. There are no targets yet beyond 2030. This is expected to be reconsidered during an upcoming review.

AECC’s messages for the CO2 reviews.

The EU zero-emissions transport objectives can best be achieved by the contribution of all available powertrain technologies, hybrid ICE, BEV, FCEV, etc.

Clean and efficient hybrid vehicles with modern emission controls will continue to be an important part of the powertrain mix.

Emission control technologies fully operating in combination with drop-in sustainable renewable fuels enable ultra-low pollutant emissions contributing towards net-zero CO₂ emissions.

GHG accumulation is to be minimised to stay within the limited available GHG budget of the Paris Agreement. Existing road transport fleet should contribute to achieve the GHG reduction by using drop-in sustainable renewable fuels.

Sustainable renewable fuels with drop-in capabilities can use existing infrastructure and consequently avoid initial carbon investment emissions. This will preserve accessible and affordable mobility options for all.

Following the adoption of several Fit for 55 package proposals, the target of sustainable renewable fuels is still not aligned with the overall European Green Deal ambition. Targets should be set beyond 2030 and these should be higher to enable the contribution of hybrids using sustainable renewable fuels.

Sustainable renewable fuels should be integrated as an additional path within the Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) definition. It is the use of fossil fuels that should be banned, rather than the use of internal combustion engines.