Emissions limits are set according to the weight of the vehicle, using a limit value curve. The curve is set in such a way that a fleet average of 175 grams of CO2 per kilometre is achieved. Manufacturers must ensure that from 2014 vehicles registered in the EU during that time have average emissions that are below the limit value curve, when 75% of the vehicles are taken into account. For 2015, the percentage rises to 80% and from 2016, 100% of the fleet have to comply on average. Only the fleet average is regulated, so manufacturers will still be able to make vehicles with emissions above the limit value curve provided these are balanced by other vehicles which are below the curve.
Vehicles affected by the legislation are those used to carry goods weighing up to 3,5 tons (vans and car-derived vans, known as N1) and which weigh less than 2.610 kg when empty.
The proposal provides manufacturers with an incentive to reduce CO2 emissions through an excess emissions premium to be paid if average emission levels exceed the limit value curve. This premium will be based on the number of grams per kilometre that the manufacturer’s registered vehicles are above the curve on average, multiplied by the number of vehicles. In an initial period until 2018, the level of the premium will be €5 for the first g/km above the curve, 15 Euros for the second g/km, 25 Euros for the third and 120 Euros for every further g/km exceeding the limit value curve. From 2019, the first g/km will cost 120 Euros per vehicle.
