In particular, notes the FTA, the proposals focus on a variety of measures and recognise that multiple solutions will be needed to cut transport emissions.
Pauline Bastidon, FTA head of European policy, says: “There is no one-size-fits-all approach to reducing freight carbon emissions – a whole package of operational and technical measures are required for the sector to make a contribution to climate change reduction targets.
“An effective framework for low-emission alternative energy and an adequate roll-out of infrastructure for alternative fuels are key for us, and can go a long way in helping the logistics sector reduce its carbon footprint.”
FTA is critical, however, that the strategy does not sufficiently address the issues of grants or of changes to vehicle weights and dimensions.
“We would also like to see changes to vehicle weights and dimensions considered as a fundamental measure to reduce carbon emissions,” Bastidon says. “FTA is supportive of any information regarding the carbon performance of commercial vehicles, but any measure has to take into account how much the vehicle can carry.”
ACEA – the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, which represents 15 European manufacturers, including truck makers – adds that while the sector is committed to reducing carbon emissions, it is disappointed that the EC’s proposals focus on measures for road transport and not air, sea or rail, for instance.
ACEA also notes that most of the binding measures proposed relate only to new vehicle technology, and it suggests that other factors should be included – fuels, faster fleet renewal, improving infrastructure, altering driver behaviour, and automated vehicles.
Secretary general Erik Jonnaert says: “Focusing on new vehicle technology alone will have limited environmental benefits. A more effective approach would seek to address the full fleet and look at how these vehicles are used.”
ACEA also points out that manufacturers will be able to provide certified CO2 values for each truck by 2018 , when a computer simulation tool (VECTO) is introduced – so it is urging the EC to allow time for this data to be collected and analysed before setting CO2 limits.
To view the EC strategy, click the link below.