Ref. Ares(2020)4264895 - 14/08/2020
To:
Commission President von der Leyen
Vice-President Timmermans
Vice-President Dombrovskis
Commissioner Valean
Cc:
16 April 2020
Subject: European CO2 emission standards for cars, vans and trucks
Europe has been embraced in a devastating health calamity, which has already led to
immense economic and social consequences. As COVID-19 is bringing Europe to a halt, major
carmakers and many suppliers - like the rest of the EU economy - are shutting down their
factories. The ultimate priority now is beyond doubt to ensure the health of citizens and the
job security of the millions of workers who are likely to need government support as they lose
income or are sent into temporary unemployment. Governments must ensure workers
throughout the car supply chains remain employed, but this is
not the time to roll back
Europe’s cornerstone emissions rules, such as the CO2 targets for cars, vans & trucks.
A speedy recovery of the EU economy should be everyone’s absolute top priority to ensure
investments continue, jobs are secured and consumer buying power bounces back. The
recovery should build and strengthen the European Green Deal momentum by providing
green stimuli for the EU to emerge stronger and more resilient to the climate crisis.
We therefore note with grave concern the suggestion by some parts of the automotive
industry to weaken the crucial regulations, notably the EU car, van and truck CO2 standards
that enter force this year. Following years of growing CO2 emissions from road transport and
lack of investments into clean technology, the first months of 2020 saw an unprecedented
growth in sales of electric cars, growing by 92% despite the overall market declining.1 This has
brought new business and job opportunities in other key sectors of the economy, such as grid
works and charging infrastructure, which will be at serious risk if the European e-mobility
transition is hampered.
The COVID-19 crisis and the resulting decline in car sales do not automatically mean that
compliance with the EU vehicle emissions standards is at risk.
Cars, vans or trucks standards
are based on fleet average sales, so what matters are not the numbers of cars sold but
rather the technology or powertrain fitted to those. With the electric car market booming in
early 2020, some of this momentum can and should be salvaged by smart green stimulus
measures that are to come.
Most vehicles in Europe are bought via lease contracts, so it is crucial to provide targeted
support to continue the purchase new zero emission vehicles in this market, for public and
private fleets, as well as consumers. Hundreds of electric models are coming to the market,
which if combined with targeted support for charging infrastructure, would be an affordable
and suitable electric option for businesses across Europe. For example, through The Climate
Group’s EV100 initiative, 69 companies worldwide are already looking to electrify over 2.5
million vehicles by 2030, and roughly half of these – over a million – are in the EU. This
includes big brands such as Deutsche Post DHL, EDP, Ingka Group (IKEA), as well as major
vehicle leasing companies. EV100 companies are asking auto manufacturers to increase EV
supply to address number one barrier to their fleet electrification ambitions.
Finally, during the 2009 crisis the new car CO2 emissions fell by a record 5,1%. This was thanks
to consumers shifting towards smaller, less powerful vehicles, which would also help now –
there are currently at least 35 conventional models with emissions under 95g/km available
on the EU market alongside over 50 small and medium-sized electric cars.
We therefore call on you to
keep in place the EU’s 2020 CO2 regulations for passenger cars,
commercial vehicle and heavy-duty vehicles unchanged – and assure full compliance to
ensure the urgently needed investments take place and for the sake of Europe’s regulatory
credibility. Rather than altering the regulation or penalties, the focus should be on economic
support to ensure jobs and green investment are maintained.
Utilities across Europe remain ready and committed to fully integrate electrified vehicles in
the power system. Investments in zero-carbon infrastructure and innovative solutions now
are the most cost-effective route to economic recovery domestically and EU-wide while at
the same time preparing the grounds for a secure and sustainable energy system.
1 Jato February 2020 sales analysis, https://www.jato.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/February-2020-
Europe-Reg-Release-Final.pdf
Europe was finally entering the clean mobility transformation, with new businesses across
the e-mobility value chain committed to bringing new jobs and green growth. Now is not the
time to roll back the ambition of the existing vehicle emission regulations nor the longer term
European Green Deal. Europe should ensure the green recovery ensures its businesses
emerge from the crisis stronger and greener, ready for the climate challenge ahead of them.
Yours Sincerely,