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CLECAT submitted this week its answers and an accompanying position paper to the Commission’s public consultation on the upcoming revision of CO2 standards for light-duty vehicles. The paper emphasises the need for realistic, technology-neutral regulations that align with the operational realities of the freight transport sector. With vans playing a crucial role in last-mile delivery and urban logistics, CLECAT argues that ambitious decarbonisation targets must be paired with enabling conditions such as expanded charging infrastructure, fiscal incentives, and support for alternative fuels to ensure a feasible transition for operators, particularly SMEs.

The paper highlights that while battery-electric vehicles are well-suited for urban logistics, other applications such as regional deliveries or operations in areas with limited charging infrastructure may require a mix of technologies, including hydrogen, biofuels, or hybrid systems. CLECAT warns that prescribing a single technology risks creating barriers for operators, particularly in regions where infrastructure remains underdeveloped. Instead, CLECAT advocates for a flexible, technology-neutral framework that recognises the role of advanced biofuels and renewable fuels as bridging solutions, especially where electrification is not yet viable.

CLECAT calls on the European Commission to accelerate infrastructure deployment, expand financial incentives, and regularly review regulatory frameworks to reflect the evolving needs of the sector. We also stress the importance of recognising CO2 savings from renewable fuels within the EU legislative framework, ensuring a balanced and inclusive pathway to decarbonisation.