Leading regional governors from Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Lower Saxony are urging the European Commission to reassess and potentially revise penalties imposed on heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers that fail to meet CO2 emission targets.
In a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Winfried Kretschmann, Markus Söder and Olaf Lies expressed concern that the current system unfairly penalizes German automotive companies for factors beyond their control. They argue that manufacturers in the three states have made substantial investments and are already producing electric trucks and buses in series, fulfilling their obligations.
However, the governors highlight a significant barrier to adoption: the absence of a widespread pan-European charging infrastructure. This deficiency is reportedly deterring transport companies from purchasing electric vehicles, leading to lower-than-expected sales figures and making it challenging to meet the established CO2 fleet targets.
The regional leaders are calling for a review of the EU emission standards, emphasizing the need for adjustments before the planned revision in 2027. They warn that the anticipated financial penalties could threaten the viability of these companies and result in a loss of value creation and jobs within Germany and Europe. They suggest this situation risks allowing Chinese competitors to gain a stronger foothold in the European market.
The existing EU regulations mandate a gradual reduction in the average CO2 emissions of newly sold heavy-duty vehicles, setting a 15% reduction target by 2025 compared to 2019 levels. The ultimate goal is for new trucks and buses to be almost entirely emissions-free by 2040.
These requirements are part of the “Fit-for-55” package, a series of legislative proposals aimed at putting the EU on a path to limiting global warming to slightly above two degrees Celsius. Recent rulings from the International Court of Justice have underscored the potential for states to face legal action if the 1.5-degree threshold is exceeded.