Zero emissions from city buses in 2030 and 90 per cent lower emissions from trucks in 2040. On Tuesday, the European Commission proposed ambitious emission targets for new, heavy vehicles. Trucks, city buses and long-distance buses account for over six per cent of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions and for more than 25 per cent of the emissions from road transport. Therefore, the sector plays a decisive role in achieving the EU’s climate goals.
More transport – less emissions
– The demand for transport is increasing steadily, and at the same time greenhouse gas emissions must decrease. This ambitious proposal must ensure that there is room for both, says the head of representation for the European Commission in Denmark Per Haugaard in a press release.
The proposal from the European Commission calls for stricter rules for almost all new heavy vehicles compared to 2019 levels. This means that new vehicles must live up to 45 per cent lower emissions from 2030, 65 per cent lower emissions from 2035 and in 2040 the emissions from heavy vehicles must be 90 per cent lower than in 2019.
A Europe without fossil fuels
The commission also proposes that all new city buses must be emission-free from 2030, which will, among other things, improve air quality in the cities.
The proposal will be a step in the right direction for the energy transition, as it will reduce the demand for fossil fuels and make the EU’s transport sector more energy efficient.
– Public transport is the backbone of a modern city, and buses with no emissions are not only good for the climate, they also benefit air quality and health, says Per Haugaard.
Lower fuel costs
With the proposal, European transport operators and users can look forward to lower fuel costs when a wider use of more energy-efficient vehicles is ensured. It is completely in line with the European Green Deal and RePowerEU.
Electric trucks and catenary lines
One method that can massively reduce CO2 emissions is electric trucks and long-distance buses, which are supplied with power from catenary lines above the right-hand lane of the motorways.
The Road Directorate has received 400,000 euros to investigate whether there is a basis for installing catenary lines on the motorway from the Fehmarn connection to the Øresund connection. If applicable, it will be a construction project in the billions, writes Licitationen.
50 kilometres on battery
The Fehmarn project does not immediately envisage running current in the motorway section of the Fehmarn Tunnel. But it is not strictly necessary either – even if the idea of electric trucks and buses is implemented. The electric vehicles must be supplied with a battery that is charged via the overhead lines while driving. The battery can ensure 50 kilometres of driving without contact with the wires, and thus you will easily be able to drive the 18 kilometres through the Fehmarntunnel without access to running current, writes the Licitationen.
