Press Release

Brussels, 18 June 2021 – Today, a Brussels policy news organization released intel that EU officials are debating ramping up vehicle CO₂ emission reduction targets to 60% by 2030 and setting a new 2035 target of as high as 100%. This would mean a de facto ban of the internal combustion engine (ICE) and an end of the European Commission’s technology-neutral approach.

This decision would not only cause far reaching negative consequences for the European economy, but also negate the immediate positive impact ICEs have on our environment. In fact, it is not the drivetrain technology that causes the GHG emissions. Indeed, the real environmental impact rather depends on the type of fuel or energy used to power our vehicles, be it fossil or renewable-based.

Therefore, to assess the real environmental footprint of all vehicles on equal terms, we must implement the necessary Well-to-Wheel approach to also account for GHG emissions caused in fuel and energy production.

This is the only way to not only immediately and efficiently decarbonise the transport sector by allowing all available clean fuels and technologies to contribute, but also to reduce the drastic consequences for Europe’s industry, consumers and job market this Commission’s proposal would have.

As NGVA Europe has already laid out together with over 220 associations, companies and scientists, Europe has to include a voluntary crediting system for sustainable renewable fuels into the vehicle CO₂ regulation to ensure the transition towards climate neutral mobility. With this, the EU’s overall climate goals can be achieved faster and with greater certainty, using sustainable renewable fuels as an additional path to reduce CO₂ emissions from the EU vehicle fleet.

At the same time, latest studies have successfully proven that gas in transport is a readily available and attractive complement to the technology mix in transport in 2030 that will be required to effectively and efficiently migrate towards a net-zero carbon mobility sector in Europe. It will therefore be key to ensure that the regulatory framework allows for gmobility to contribute to emission reductions.

NGVA Europe’s Secretary General Dr Jens Andersen commented:

“The underlying proposed changes appear like a massive distortion of competition and a measure with questionable economic and undoubtedly counterproductive environmental effects.

With gmobility, due to the available proportion of biomethane with already over 80% in some EU countries, we already achieve net zero GHG emissions on a WtW basis – and this with an internal combustion engine. This is currently not possible with any other energy source.

Our industry is currently also developing excellent export opportunities outside of Europe. Those who risk this, also risk the future of an entire industry, making unfounded promises and lead subsequent generations into new dependencies. More than 220 associations and companies, including over 130 scientists across Europe are supporting our position of implementing a WtW approach.”

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