European truckmakers urge EU to adjust 2030 CO2 targets

At the IAA Transportation event in Hanover, executives from major European truck and bus manufacturers, including Stellantis, have called for an urgent adjustment to the European Union’s CO2 reduction targets for 2030. Manufacturers warn that the current regulatory timeline is disconnected from market realities, as the necessary infrastructure and economic conditions for zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles are lagging behind by several years.

Emanuele Cappellano, head of Stellantis Pro One, noted that fleet managers are often choosing to retain older diesel vans rather than transitioning to electric models due to concerns regarding range, charging infrastructure, and total cost of ownership. He argued that the current mandates could lead to industrial and economic impasses, potentially resulting in fines for manufacturers between 2025 and 2027 while market demand for electric commercial vehicles remains low.

To address these challenges, Stellantis Pro One has announced a strategy to launch 11 new commercial models by 2030, including the electric Fiat Tris. The industry is calling for a more coherent policy framework that includes improved grid access, manageable energy costs, and specific CO2 trajectories for light commercial vehicles that differ from passenger cars.