This section provides an overview of the key European initiatives which may affect the way EV progress. By understanding the legislation and strategies set out by the EU, we can better determine the way in which EV may be required in order to meet these targets, or if these targets may motivate countries to progress further to EVs. As the UK is currently in the EU, it must adhere to these legislations and so must enact policy to meet the targets and often uses the strategies to further the strategy within the UK.
2020 Climate and Energy Package
This package is in binding legislation (1). It states by 2020:
- 20% cut in GHG from 1990 levels
- 20% EU energy from renewables
- 20% increase in energy efficiency
As of 2015, based on each countries report;
- 20% targets should be reached by EU as a whole
- 24 countries expected to meet their national target
- 4 countries require additional efforts (Luxembourg, Ireland, Belgium and Austria)
The aim is that through these 2020 goals, by 2030 for 40% reduction in GHG from 1990 levels
- 20% cut in GHG from 1990 levels
- 20% EU energy from renewables
- 20% increase in energy efficiency
As of 2015, based on each countries report;
- 20% targets should be reached by EU as a whole
- 24 countries expected to meet their national target
- 4 countries require additional efforts (Luxembourg, Ireland, Belgium and Austria)
The aim is that through these 2020 goals, by 2030 for 40% reduction in GHG from 1990 levels
A Road Transport Strategy for Europe
Within this strategy there are 4 themes: Internal Market, Fair Competition and Workers Rights, Digital Technologies an Decarbonisation, which will be the focus of this section.
Some of the main aims of the Decarbonisation theme are to:
- reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions for heavy goods vehicles as these account for approximately 30% of all road transport emissions
- follow Paris COP21 agreement to reduce domestic Carbon Dioxide by 40% by 2030
Through these aims, several strategies are set out (2).
Post 2020 Carbon Dioxide Standards for Cars and Vans
- Average emissions of EU fleet of new cars
-in 2030 30% lower than 2021
-in 2025- 15% lower than 2021
- Includes Clean Mobility Package targets for 2020/2021
Accelerating uptake of Zero and Low Emission Vehicles
- Gives market clear signal for investment in clean vehicles
- Manufacturers achieving share of zero and low emission vehicles higher than targets for fleet are rewarded in the form of a less strict CO2 target
- Zero counts more than low emission
- Aims to support gradual transition from conventional to EV
Some of the main aims of the Decarbonisation theme are to:
- reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions for heavy goods vehicles as these account for approximately 30% of all road transport emissions
- follow Paris COP21 agreement to reduce domestic Carbon Dioxide by 40% by 2030
Through these aims, several strategies are set out (2).
Post 2020 Carbon Dioxide Standards for Cars and Vans
- Average emissions of EU fleet of new cars
-in 2030 30% lower than 2021
-in 2025- 15% lower than 2021
- Includes Clean Mobility Package targets for 2020/2021
Accelerating uptake of Zero and Low Emission Vehicles
- Gives market clear signal for investment in clean vehicles
- Manufacturers achieving share of zero and low emission vehicles higher than targets for fleet are rewarded in the form of a less strict CO2 target
- Zero counts more than low emission
- Aims to support gradual transition from conventional to EV
Clean Mobility Package
The Clean Mobility Package (CMP) is part of the Energy Union and Climate section for the commissions top 10 priorities for 2015-1019.
The CMP includes five separate topics (3).
2020 CO2 standards
Standards set for tailpipe emissions
- 95gCO2/km for passenger cars
- 147gCO2/km for light commercial vehicles
Alternative Fuels and Infrastructure
- Member states must develop a national policy framework for the market development of alternative fuels and infrastructure
- Foresees the use of common technical specifications for recharging and refuelling stations
- Paves the way for setting up appropriate consumer information on alternative fuels including a clear sound price comparison methodology
- Urban/suburban and other densely populated areas should have an appropriate number of publically accessible points by 2020
Combined transport
- Shift from long distance road transport to rail, inland waterways and maritime transport to reduce impact on environment and society
Passenger coach
- Bus connections over long distances in Europe to reduce private cars
Battery initiative
- Production of components of mobility solution and vehicles within the EU
The CMP includes five separate topics (3).
2020 CO2 standards
Standards set for tailpipe emissions
- 95gCO2/km for passenger cars
- 147gCO2/km for light commercial vehicles
Alternative Fuels and Infrastructure
- Member states must develop a national policy framework for the market development of alternative fuels and infrastructure
- Foresees the use of common technical specifications for recharging and refuelling stations
- Paves the way for setting up appropriate consumer information on alternative fuels including a clear sound price comparison methodology
- Urban/suburban and other densely populated areas should have an appropriate number of publically accessible points by 2020
Combined transport
- Shift from long distance road transport to rail, inland waterways and maritime transport to reduce impact on environment and society
Passenger coach
- Bus connections over long distances in Europe to reduce private cars
Battery initiative
- Production of components of mobility solution and vehicles within the EU
European Emission Standards
The European Emission Standards outline the acceptable limits for tailpipe emissions of new vehicles sold in the EU. The Euro six standards (2014) provide improvements to the 5 prior standards, placing more stringent restrictions on Nitrous Oxides emissions from diesel engines, while continuing to address Carbon Dioxide and particulates (4). In 2017, Euro 6d states that a more realistic testing procedure for Nitrous Oxides emissions should be used. The WLTP will be used in all test after September 2018.
Although the Euro 6 limit for diesel is set at 80 mg/km, queries following the validity of the test lead the the RDE (real driving emissions) being introduced of 168mg/km for diesel. This RDE will be decreased to 120mg/km in 2020 (5).
The standards set out in this policy are outlines in the table below.
For further insight into how tailpipe emissions could progress with EV in the market, please visit our tailpipe emissions page here.
In the section we will discuss the policy around the world regarding EV.
In the section we will discuss the policy around the world regarding EV.