Leading state premiers from Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Lower Saxony have jointly called for a review and potential amendment of penalties levied against manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles that fail to meet EU carbon emission targets. In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Winfried Kretschmann, Markus Söder and Olaf Lies argued that the current system risks penalizing the automotive industry for factors beyond their control.
The premiers emphasized that manufacturers in their respective states have made substantial investments and are already producing electric trucks and buses in series. However, the lack of a comprehensive, pan-European charging infrastructure and network is hindering adoption, particularly amongst transport operators. This is resulting in slower-than-expected sales and difficulties in meeting the mandated CO2 fleet targets.
The states’ leaders are urging the EU to reassess the emission regulations sooner than the planned 2027 review, warning that the anticipated financial penalties could pose an existential threat to companies. They cautioned that failure to adjust the framework could lead to a loss of value creation and jobs both within Germany and across Europe, referencing increased competition from Chinese manufacturers seeking to gain market share.
Current EU rules mandate a gradual reduction in the average CO2 emissions of newly sold heavy-duty vehicles, targeting a 15% decrease by 2025 compared to 2019 levels. The ultimate goal stipulates that new trucks and buses should be almost entirely emission-free by 2040.
These measures are part of the “Fit-for-55” package, a critical initiative designed to guide the EU towards a trajectory limiting climate change to above two degrees Celsius. Recent clarification from the International Court of Justice highlighted that states could face legal action and be required to pay damages if they exceed the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold.
