Addressing road transport’s environmental footprint is fundamental to achieving the 2030 and 2050 climate targets – the sector accounts for 20% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, of which 75% come from conventional cars and vans. This Policy Dialogue aimed to discuss the implications of increased climate ambition on road transport in Europe, the main elements of the Commission’s new Mobility Strategy -including relevant policy initiatives - as well as the opportunities and challenges of reducing road transport emissions in the EU.

A main issue that was addressed by the speakers is the state of play of development and deployment of Zero Emission Vehicles. Speakers agreed that, while barriers such as the rollout of charging points for battery electric vehicles (BEV) exist, this sector is now quickly developing due to regulation and investment, contributing significantly to the decarbonisation of transport. Panellists debated about the role for CO2 emission performance standards in function of achieving zero-emission transport, as well as the potential use of alternative fuel technologies for different transport modes. With regards to the effects on the automobile industry and the just transition, several speakers highlighted that the transition to emission-free transport can provide opportunities for industry and employment, and that industry can be at the forefront of climate ambition to achieve greater competitiveness.

This event was held under the auspices of the EPC Sustainable Prosperity for Europe Programme with the kind support of the UK Presidency of the UN Climate Change Conference 2021. The Policy Dialogue was preceded by two multistakeholder discussions that reflected on the state of play and prospects for greening road transport, and was followed by an Online Workshop, entitled “The road to zero emission vehicles”, on 17 March 2021.

You can find the full extended event report with recommendations here.