The European Parliament decided on October 3, 2018  in favor of a 40 percent cut to carbon dioxide emissions from cars and vans by 2030, a significant increase on the European Commission’s proposal of 30% . The report was adopted by 389 votes in favor to 289 against. The Parliament’s text also indicated a  target for a 20 percent cut by 2025.  MEPs also backed a 20 percent target for the share of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles in 2025, rising to 35 percent by 2030.

ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association warned that jobs would be at stake if the cuts were too deep. “The more aggressive the CO2 reduction targets are, the more disruptive the socio-economic impacts will be, especially in member states and regions where the sector’s share of industrial output is high,” said association Secretary-General Erik Jonnaert. “We are calling on MEPs to be aware of the possible unintended implications of their vote.”

Eurelectric called on MEPs to stick with 45 percent as the  electrification of road transport could create more than 200,000 jobs by 2030:  “MEPs should seize this opportunity to answer the call of citizens to preserve climate and to be offered a real choice between fossil fueled and electric mobility,” said Kristian Ruby, secretary-general of Eurelectric.

Photo: No 45% worries: courtesy Air Liquide /Hype Taxi Paris