What is the EU truck CO2 standards review in 2027?
The Commission must review the EU heavy-duty CO2 standards by 31 December 2027; the 45%, 65% and 90% targets stay unless new legislation passes.
Logifie Team
Logistics Technology Experts
By 31 December 2027, the European Commission must review Regulation (EU) 2019/1242, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1610, and report to Parliament and Council. The review does not change the targets: they stay at 45% below 2019 for most vehicle groups in 2030-2034, 65% for 2035-2039 and 90% from 2040 absent new legislation.
When is the review due and what does it assess?
Article 15(1) sets the deadline of 31 December 2027 for the Commission to review the effectiveness and impact of the rules and submit its report ( Regulation (EU) 2024/1610, Official Journal ). The report must assess, among other items, zero-emission HDV registrations in each Member State, the roll-out of public and private recharging and refuelling infrastructure, and the employment impact on small and medium-sized enterprises. It also covers the level of the excess emissions premium, a carbon correction factor, a way to register HDVs running only on CO2-neutral fuels, and whether to include small lorries up to 5 tonnes.
One report arrives earlier. Under Article 3c, the Commission must report by 30 June 2027 on initiatives to raise the share of zero-emission HDVs owned or leased by large companies. Large fleets should read it first, as it covers demand-side measures.
Can the 2030 truck CO2 target change after the review?
Not through the review itself. The review is a report, and changing a target requires a new legislative proposal that Parliament and Council adopt. Targets are measured against average emissions in the 2019 reporting period.
| 2025-2029 | 15% (largest lorry sub-groups) |
|---|---|
| 2030-2034 | 45% (all but vocational vehicles) |
| 2035-2039 | 65% |
| 2040 onwards | 90% |
Source: Article 1(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1610 .
The rules did move once already. Regulation (EU) 2026/1046, which the Council announced as adopted on 2026-03-30, eases how manufacturers calculate emission credits for 2025-2029, so a manufacturer can earn credits by beating its own annual target rather than the stricter linear trajectory. The long-term targets were left unchanged, according to the Council press release . For background on the industry push for an early review, see the May 2026 manufacturer call on the EU CO2 review .
What does the review mean for fleets?
Manufacturers carry the target, not hauliers. A haulier does not report fleet CO2 under this regulation or pay the excess emissions premium, but the rules shape which truck models are offered and what they cost. Three habits help while the review runs. First, read the Article 3c report and the Commission report when they appear. Second, keep replacement plans flexible and compare options on total cost, using the electric truck vs diesel TCO breakdown . Third, keep per-vehicle fuel, mileage and cost records in a transport management system , so your own data is ready for each purchase decision.
Frequently asked questions
When is the EU heavy-duty CO2 standards review?
The Commission must complete the heavy-duty CO2 standards review by 31 December 2027 under Article 15(1). A separate demand-side report is due by 30 June 2027.
What are the EU CO2 targets for trucks in 2030?
The fleet-wide target is a 45% cut versus the 2019 reporting period for 2030-2034. The Annex table sets a per-sub-group figure of 43% for medium and heavy lorries in the same period.
Will the EU weaken the 2030 truck CO2 target?
The review cannot do that on its own. Any change would need a new legislative proposal adopted by Parliament and Council. The 2026 amendment, Regulation (EU) 2026/1046, only changed how emission credits are calculated for 2025-2029.
Does the regulation apply to fleet operators or only manufacturers?
It sets obligations for manufacturers, who face an excess emissions premium if they miss their targets. Fleets feel it through the models on offer and their prices.
