The European Parliament's Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) Committee today voted in favour of a non realistic 90% emissions reduction target for heavy duty vehicles.
"While this is undoubtedly an important step towards achieving ambitious climate targets, the opportunity to further accelerate progress has been missed," said Massimo Artusi, Board member of the Alliance of European Car Dealers and Repairers.
By including e-fuels and biofuels, supported by a carbon correction factor (CCF), an even more comprehensive and effective approach to emissions reduction could have been achieved. "The potential of e-fuels and biofuels for decarbonising the transport sector is significant," Artusi said. "These fuels offer a realistic and practical solution, especially in the transition phase to electrification (and until electricity will be green, todays it isn't) and hydrogen-based technologies. Their inclusion would invite investment in technologies that can contribute significantly to achieving, and maybe anticipate, the European Union's ambitious climate targets under the Green Deal."
Furthermore, AECDR pleads for the retention of the e-fuel definition as laid down in the RED II (Renewable Energy Directive). Uniform definitions and regulations are crucial to create a clear framework for the industry and for investors that promotes innovation and confidence in sustainable technologies, it said. "We therefore plead for these amendments to be included in the European Parliament's report during the final vote in the plenary session at the end of November," said Gerardo Perez, AECDR President.
