The Council of the European Union has formally adopted revised rules on CO₂ emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles, following earlier approval by the European Parliament, clearing the way for the regulation to enter into force after publication in the EU’s Official Journal.
The amendment modifies how emission reduction targets are applied in the years leading up to 2030, introducing a more flexible framework for truck manufacturers while keeping existing long-term climate goals unchanged.
Under current EU law, emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles must be reduced by 15% by 2025, 45% by 2030, 65% by 2035 and 90% by 2040, compared to 2019 levels. Until now, a linear trajectory between these milestones effectively imposed stricter annual targets, with reductions rising progressively each year.
The revised approach removes this linear progression between 2025 and 2029. Instead, the 15% reduction target set for 2025 will remain in place through 2029, before a step change to the 45% target in 2030. The model, described by policymakers as a “staircase,” is intended to provide greater predictability for manufacturers.
“This amendment recognises the structural challenges currently faced by the sector, particularly the slow deployment of public charging infrastructure along motorways. It supports a smooth and steady transition towards zero-emission mobility without altering the EU’s ambitious long-term climate targets,” the EU Council said in a statement.
The updated rules also allow manufacturers to accumulate emission credits if they outperform their annual CO₂ targets. These credits can be used to ease compliance with stricter requirements from 2030 onwards. “This temporary and targeted flexibility would allow them to generate more emission credits in the years leading up to 2030 and therefore facilitate their compliance from 2030 onwards,” the Council added.
The move aligns with calls from major truck manufacturers including Volvo Trucks, Daimler Truck, Scania, MAN, Iveco and Ford Motor, which had previously urged EU policymakers to ease interim targets and allow greater flexibility in meeting emissions goals.
The revised credit mechanism will primarily apply to heavy-duty trucks over 16 tonnes and certain buses above 7.5 tonnes. City buses are excluded from the changes, as their electrification is already more advanced and less dependent on long-distance charging infrastructure.
Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus, said the adjustment balances ambition with practicality. “Clean mobility is the future of the EU but the path towards it is not always linear. With this timely and pragmatic amendment, we give heavy-duty vehicles manufacturers and investors the flexibility and predictability they need to navigate this transition, while electric charging stations are being deployed across Europe,” she said.
The broader CO₂ standards framework for heavy-duty vehicles is scheduled for review in 2027.
