EU: Updated ‘Fit for 55’ Law to Phase Out Polluting Vehicles by 2035

Photo source: Unsplash.

The European Commission announced that it had updated a Renewable Energy Directive and the REFuelEU Aviation Regulation as part of “Fit for 55” legislation, paving the way the EU’s immediate green transition.

More specifically, among the EU’s updated targets on renewable energy and energy efficiency, plans include phasing out polluting vehicles by 2035, while encouraging alternative fuels infrastructure in road transport, shipping and aviation and electric recharging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure on European roads.

Under the revised CO2 regulation, all new cars and vans registered in the EU will have to be zero-emission by 2035. In the period up to 2035, average emissions of new cars will have to drop by 55 percent by 2030 and of new vans by 50 percent.

Source: European Commission.

Additionally, “Fit for 55” legislation also foresees a revised emissions trading system to cap emissions and ensure polluters are penalized. It also expects member states to generate revenues which will go into green transition investments. Under the reform, EU states will spend 100 percent of their emissions trading revenues on climate and energy-related projects.

“The legislation to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 is now in place, and I am very happy that we are even on track to overshoot this ambition. This is an important sign to Europe and to our global partners that the green transition is possible, that Europe is delivering on its promises,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

RefuelEU aviation & FuelEU maritime

Source: European Council

At the same time, ReFuelEU Aviation harmonizes rules for the promotion of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) across the EU while the FuelEU Maritime Regulation will promote the uptake of renewable and low-carbon fuels.

“Fit for 55” was tabled in July 2021 to respond to the requirements laid out in the EU Climate Law.

EU member states will be required to implement “Fit for 55” legislation into their national systems and demonstrate how the 2030 climate and energy targets – reducing EU net greenhouse gas emissions by 57 percent by 2030 – will be met.