Stellantis European chief: More flexibility needed from EU on 2030 CO2 targets for commercial vans

Stellantis Chairman John Elkann has called for greater flexibility in meeting the European Union’s 2030 carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions targets for commercial vans, suggesting that the targets should be averaged over a five-year period from 2028 to 2032. This proposal mirrors 2025 emissions targets averaged.

Elkann emphasized that light commercial vehicles (LCVs) should be regulated separately from passenger cars, with adjusted emission reduction targets tailored to the unique challenges of the van segment. The European Commission has already acknowledged the slower adoption of electric vehicles in the van sector, reducing the 2030 CO2 target for vans from 50% to 40%.

The Stellantis chairman also reiterated support for a broader scrappage scheme to remove older, high-emission vehicles from European roads, which could help reduce emissions while stimulating economic growth. He noted that such a policy could be paired with make new vehicles more affordable.

While Stellantis supports the EU’s long-term goal of achieving zero exhaust emissions for new vehicles by 2035, Elkann advocated for continued use of plug-in hybrids, range extenders, and alternative fuels beyond that date. He urged the European Commission to incorporate these proposals into its review.

The EU’s current fleet-wide CO2 target for vans in the 2030–2034 period is set at 90.6 g/km, with a 100% reduction target by 2035. The proposed averaging mechanism could provide manufacturers with greater predictability and reduce the financial burden of meeting stringent annual targets.