CO2 regulation for heavy-duty vehicles should recognize decarbonization potential of renewable fuels

The European Biodiesel Board, together with other members of the European industry, wrote an open letter calling for recognition of the decarbonization potential of sustainable and renewable fuels in the context of the European Commission’s revision of the CO2 regulation for heavy-duty vehicles, expected to come out Feb. 14.

The letter has been signed by almost 120 stakeholders, including associations and companies representing fuel and automotive suppliers, vehicle manufacturers, dealers, repairers and transport operators.

Additionally, more than 90 scientists from the energy, automotive and environmental sectors support the request to consider renewable and carbon-neutral fuels for compliance with the CO2 regulation for heavy-duty vehicles.

The letter reads:

“As European industry, including fuel and automotive suppliers, vehicle manufacturers, dealers, repairers and transport operators, we eagerly anticipate the European Commission proposal on the revision of the CO2 regulation for heavy-duty vehicles.

“Heavy-duty transport is a vital sector for the functioning of the internal market and a suitable regulatory framework shall support the development of clean vehicles using different technologies and fuels.

“Decarbonization is an immediate challenge and all options that can have a rapid impact need to be enabled.

“Sustainable and renewable fuels can speed up the process and contribute to achievement of the ‘Fit for 55’ and the full decarbonization targets in road transport.

“The signatories of this letter welcome the revision of the CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles in line with the ‘Fit for 55’ objectives and believe that a recognition of all CO2 emission-reduction pathways along the entire value chain is critical.

“Transport operators and vehicle manufacturers must be encouraged to consider cleaner fuel alternatives to fossil fuels, immediately available today, including liquid and gaseous renewable and synthetic fuels.

“Depending on use cases, technology diversity is needed where all technologies, including electrification/hybridization, hydrogen and sustainable and renewable fuels can play a role.

“The undersigned organizations recommend that sustainable and renewable fuels are considered for compliance in the CO2 regulation for heavy-duty vehicles. Including such a provision in the regulation would support the EU’s Green Deal objectives and accelerate the decarbonization of the commercial transport sector.”

To see the list of signatories to the letter, click here.