Transport
MEPs keeps on trucking, back higher CO2 targets
Members of the European Parliament voted on Wednesday (14 November) to beef up a first attempt to regulate CO2 emissions from heavy vehicles, going beyond what the European Commission originally proposed.
Row over fuel prices highlights flaws of France’s ecological tax
The many exceptions to the French carbon tax do not make it easier for people – and drivers – to accept green taxation, EURACTIV France reports.
European cities slow to adopt electric buses
Fully electric buses account for only 9% of urban bus sales in Europe, according to research by Transport and Environment (T&E), a green campaign group. High upfront costs are the biggest barrier to their deployment on a mass scale.
A strong EV benchmark can cut transport emissions and help modernise Europe’s electricity grid
Over a century ago, electric vehicles (EVs) were the best-selling cars on the market. Bringing them back on today’s roads will not only help to decarbonise transport, but the energy sector too, with wider benefits for society, argues Julia Hildermeier.
Why rewarding renewable fuels under the truck CO2 regulation would be a bad idea
It may sound like a good thing to reward advanced fuels. But doing it under the CO2 standards for heavy duty vehicles (HDVs) would not achieve this goal and would only end up weakening EU fuel efficiency standards, says Cristina Mestre.
Member states want to postpone scrapping clock change to 2021
EU transport ministers requested on Monday (29 October) more time to decide on ending the twice-yearly clock change, pointing to the preparations needed to avoid chaos in the European transport system.
Brexiteer vacuum inventor to build electric cars in Singapore
James Dyson, the billionaire British inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner, has chosen to build his electric car in Singapore to be close to Asian customers, supply chains and a highly skilled workforce.
US threatens to capsize marine emissions cap
The United States is pushing for a late change to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) landmark cap on sulphur emissions, throwing into doubt the 2020 implementation date.
Merkel promises new legislation to ward off diesel driving bans
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, campaigning for her Christian Democrats (CDU) to retain control of the crucial state of Hesse in next Sunday’s election, promised legislation to ward off the threat of air pollution leading to driving bans.
Volkswagen a winner as EU set to favour wifi over 5G
The European Commission is set to approve and set rules for the use of wifi in cars, giving Volkswagen and Renault who have pursued this technology the edge over Daimler and others who invested in rival 5G networks.
EU lawmakers back 35% CO2 cut for trucks by 2030
UPDATE: Lawmakers in the European Parliament backed a 35% cut in carbon dioxide emissions from new trucks by 2030, in a vote on Thursday (18 October) over new rules that seek to fight global warming without harming industry.
Gas chief: LNG can help cut air pollution, boost human health
Shipping is responsible for over 3% of global emissions with that number expected to grow. Owners and operators will have to decide how to clean up their vessels and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a potential solution, Gas Infrastructure Europe's Wim Groenendijk told EURACTIV.
Europe’s clean transport revolution continues
There is now a clear EU majority, led by the Nordic countries, for tougher targets on car emissions, writes Sanjeev Kumar. The big questions now relates to charging points for electric vehicles and whether they can charge fast enough, he writes.Editor's picks
Study dampens industry projections for ‘renewable gas’ in 2050
Renewable methane – whether produced from waste, manure or synthetic sources – could displace at most 7% of natural gas in Europe at the current demand rate, according to a new study by the International Council on Clean Transport (ICCT).
Tough CO2 targets ‘could cost 100,000 jobs’: VW chief
Setting European Union targets for reducing cars' greenhouse gas output that are too ambitious could backfire with the loss of 100,000 jobs, Volkswagen chief executive Herbert Diess said Thursday.
Green Mobility Forum 2018: Reducing CO2 emissions from trucks: can we do it?
Transport accounts for nearly a quarter of the EU’s emissions and, unlike other sectors, greenhouse gases continue to rise. Trucks only make up a small part of vehicles on the roads in Europe: less than 5% of total traffic.
MEPs stake claim for the copyright of data in autonomous vehicles
MEPs sitting in the European Parliament's Legal Affairs committee voted down an important clause in a draft opinion on Tuesday (10 October), backing the notion that data capture during the operation of autonomous vehicles should be subject to copyright rules.
How green is Europe’s tank?
As the need for climate action gets more urgent, new labels give motorists a clearer picture of fuels’ and cars’ eco-friendliness, writes Emmanuel Desplechin.
Modular or ‘monster’ trucks back on the table
EU lawmakers are floating the idea of offering incentives for extra-long trucks made up of multiple trailers in the EU’s first truck CO2 legislation.
Karima Delli MEP: ‘Hard Brexit would be a disaster for transport’
European Parliament transport committee chair Karima Delli has warned about the “disastrous” consequences of a hard Brexit, especially on the transport sector. EURACTIV France’s partner La Tribune reports.
‘Disappointed’ EU capitals agree on 35% car CO2 cuts
EU environment ministers took until nearly midnight on Tuesday (9 October) to agree on a common position for car and van CO2 emission cuts for 2030 but several member states were left "disappointed" with the final agreement.
EU nations divided on 2030 CO2 curbs for cars, vans
European Union environment ministers will seek a compromise on Tuesday (9 October) over how tough to be on curbing carbon dioxide emissions from cars and vans, with Germany warning too tough targets could harm industry and cost jobs.OpinionPromoted content
Future cars must be lighter – time for member states to act!
The Paris agreement confirmed the need for the transport sector to urgently curb its CO2 emissions drastically. The revision of the CO2 standards for cars and vans is an opportunity for to take a stand for a fully decarbonised transport system and to make Europe lead in the fight against climate change.OpinionPromoted content
Where does Europe fit in the new mobility landscape?
Europe has the scale, the cities, the institutional capacity and the financial muscle to lead the world in new mobility. Should it grab the opportunity, then an exciting future awaits, says Ross Douglas.