Truck Makers Can Earn Credits by Meeting Yearly Emission Goals

What’s the problem that is being addressed
Heavy‑duty vehicles (trucks and buses) must cut CO₂ emissions to help the EU reach its climate goals: a 55 % cut in 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050. Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 already sets yearly CO₂ targets for new vehicles, but manufacturers find it hard to meet the 2030 target because they can only earn emission credits when their average CO₂ is below a trajectory that links two five‑year periods. This limits flexibility and may delay the shift to zero‑emission vehicles.

How that problem is being solved here
The proposal amends Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 so that, for the reporting periods 2025‑2029, manufacturers can earn emission credits when their specific CO₂ emissions are below the specific CO₂ target for that year, instead of below the trajectory. This gives them more room to collect credits earlier, easing compliance with the 2030 target while keeping the overall CO₂ reduction goals unchanged.

What changes as a result of this document

• Credit calculation: From 2025‑2029, credits are based on the yearly target, not the trajectory.
• Targets remain: 15 % CO₂ reduction for heavy lorries >16 t in 2025, 43 % reduction for heavy vehicles (lorries >5 t and buses >7.5 t) from 2030, and 90 % reduction by 2040.
• Scope: The amendment does not apply to urban buses.
• Budget and resources: No additional funding, staff, or administrative costs are required.
• Digital and monitoring: No new digital tools or changes to existing monitoring systems.
• Legal effect: The regulation is binding in all EU Member States and takes effect 20 days after publication in the Official Journal.