It is absolutely right to set ambitious targets for reducing CO2 emissions, but then we have to have incentives and infrastructure that make it possible to reach them, the industry believes.
Through a political agreement, the EU Council and the EU Parliament agree on new, ambitious emission targets for buses and trucks. In short, emissions from trucks over 7.5 tonnes and buses must be reduced by 45 per cent by 2030, 65 per cent by 2035 and 90 per cent by 2040.
The proposed agreement is subject to formal approval by both institutions before it can come into force.
– It is natural that ambitious plans to cut emissions are also put forward for lorries and buses. We are completely dependent on this if we are to achieve the climate goals set for 2030. But if we are to achieve these goals, we have to have a framework in place that makes it possible, says Andreas Handeland, communications manager at BIL.
– We need a program for how this is to be carried out in Norway. First and foremost, we must have incentives in place that make it appropriate to buy a zero-emission vehicle rather than one that runs on diesel. In addition, we must ensure that there are enough charging points and filling stations for hydrogen along Norwegian roads, because without this the market will not invest in new technology, he says.
We must also cut emissions from trucks and buses if we are to reach the reduction targets that the EU agreed on just before the weekend. In order to achieve that, we must, among other things, put in place incentives to buy zero-emission vehicles and charging and filling stations for hydrogen along Norwegian roads, says Andreas Bibow Handeland, communications manager at the Bilimportørenes Landsforening
Requires at least 50,000 new charging stations
ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) points out that there must be 400,000 battery- and hydrogen-powered vehicles on European roads in order to reach the climate targets by 2030, and that at least one third of all newly registered trucks and buses must be emission-free.
– Europe needs at least 50,000 suitable charging stations and 700 filling stations for hydrogen if we are to have 400,000 emission-free trucks and buses on European roads. And in Norway too, the number of energy points must be greatly increased, says Andreas Handeland.
– In Norway, we have seen how you can bring about a change in the car fleet in record time if the framework is in place. Now we need good incentives and infrastructure for the heavier vehicles as well. Everyone must work together if we are to achieve the goals for 2030, he adds.