European Environment Ministers Agree to Cut Emissions by 35 percent by 2030

The environment ministers of the European Union have finalized a deal according to which countries in the EU will cut vehicle emissions by 35 percent by 2030. This would definitely give boost to the production of electrified models like hybrid cars and our battery electric vehicles.

Germany, was initially opposed to the deal as it is home to several leading automakers like Porsche, Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW. After first holding out for a maximum 30 percent cut, the country agreed to the 35 per cent stipulation after all parties agreed that there would be an interim review of the rules. Other car manufacturing countries like Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic backed Germany.

The group of environment ministers agreed that there should be a 35 percent reduction of carbon dioxide gas emissions from levels that were recorded in 2020. They also set an intermediate target of a 15 percent reduction in vehicle emissions by 2025.

Last week, the European parliament had voted for a 40 percent reduction by 2030. Ministers from the 28 nations that are a part of the EU will meet shortly with representatives from the European Parliament to work out the finer details of how the recommendation can be transformed into laws that are enforceable.

A report called the Energy Transition Outlook had projected that almost all new sales of cars across Europe would be electric or hybrid within a span of 20 years. In the United States, according to the report, the situation would be similar by the 2040s.

Automakers in Europe are more ambivalent about the rapid transition to electrified models. It would involve huge outlays on research and development costs, and implementation of the new technologies on a commercial scale. In September, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) said fewer workers will be required to build or repair all-electric vehicles.

“Overly stringent CO2 targets, as well as unrealistic sales quotas for battery electric vehicles, could lead to serious structural problems across the EU,” ACEA said.