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Fit for 55: why the EU is toughening CO2 emission standards for cars and vans

The regulation aims to increase carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reductions targets for new cars and vans, so as to ensure that the automotive sector contributes to the EU’s climate goals, and to stimulate innovation.

The measure, which is part of the Fit for 55 package - a set of legislative proposals to reduce the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 - will benefit citizens, consumers and the competitiveness of the EU’s automotive industry.

In June 2022, EU member states agreed on a general approach on the European Commission’s proposal setting strengthened CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles. The Council and the European Parliament reached a common agreement on the proposal in October 2022. 

On 27 May 2025, the Council adopted the amendment to the regulation on CO2 standards for new passenger cars and vans.

The infographic explains the EU's new CO2 emissions target for cars and vans, why it matters and expected benefits for citizens, consumers and the EU's automotive industry.

Revised regulation on CO2 emission limits for new cars and vans explained

The EU new CO2 emission targets for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles aim to speed up the transition to zero- and low-emission mobility.

Why it matters

Cars and vans are responsible for around 15% of total EU emissions of CO2, the main greenhouse gas. 

What will change

The proposed regulation increases the CO2 emission reduction targets for 2030 and sets a new target of 100% for 2035. This means that all new cars or vans placed on the market in the EU from 2035 should be zero-emission vehicles.

Projected CO2 emission reductions for new cars and vans:

  • 2021 - limit of 95 g/km for cars and 147 g/km for vans
  • 2030 – 55% reduction for cars and 50% for vans (compared to the 2021 targets)
  • 2035 - 100% reduction for cars and vans

Expected benefits

For citizens

  • shift towards zero-emission vehicles
  • less pollution, better air quality 
  • improved citizens' health and well-being

For consumers

  • increased production and sales of zero-emission vehicles
  • more affordable models
  • lower energy expenditure*

* Expected savings in EU imports of diesel and gasoline: around 900-1100 Mtoe (million tonnes of oil equivalent) over the period 2030-2050

For the EU's automotive industry

  • greater innovation in zero-emission technologies
  • a stronger technological leadership and competitiveness
  • more jobs in the development and manufacture of new technologies 

The EU's automotive industry...

  • accounts for over 7% of the EU's GDP
  • provides 12.7 million jobs, representing 6.6% of all jobs in the EU
  • is the world's second-largest producer of motor vehicles after China
  • is the largest research and development sector in the EU 

Source: European Commission

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Last review: 2 June 2025