CALSTART Pushes Europe to Keep Current Decarbonization Targets

Clean transportation organization calls for regulatory stability to accelerate Europe's clean heavy-duty transport transition.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:07pm

CALSTART, a leading clean transportation organization in North America, is urging European institutions to maintain the current transport decarbonization targets of a 45% reduction by 2030 and 90% by 2040. The organization emphasizes the importance of regulatory stability for manufacturers, fleets, and investors to drive progress in the deployment of zero-emission trucks and associated infrastructure.

Why it matters

CALSTART's message is significant as the European Union is currently reviewing its transport decarbonization roadmap, particularly for the heavy-duty segment. Maintaining the long-term targets is crucial to provide a clear market signal, help Europe stay competitive, and accelerate the transition to clean heavy-duty transport.

The details

In an official note, CALSTART welcomed that the long-term CO₂ targets remain unchanged and stated that 'keeping these targets must remain the top priority for Europe's clean transport transition'. The organization acknowledged the progress made in the deployment of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) and associated infrastructure, but cautioned that short-term market conditions should not lead to further amendments to the regulation, as this could erode investment security.

  • The next deadline for the EU's review of the transport decarbonization roadmap is set for 2027.

The players

CALSTART

A California-based clean transportation organization that is one of the most authoritative in North America when it comes to sustainability.

European Union

The institutions, including the European Parliament, Council, and Commission, that are reviewing the transport decarbonization roadmap, particularly for the heavy-duty segment.

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What’s next

The European Union is set to review its transport decarbonization roadmap, particularly for the heavy-duty segment, with the next deadline in 2027.

The takeaway

CALSTART's call for maintaining the current transport decarbonization targets in Europe highlights the importance of regulatory stability to drive progress in the deployment of zero-emission trucks and associated infrastructure. Providing a clear market signal and avoiding further amendments to the regulation are crucial to help Europe stay competitive and accelerate the transition to clean heavy-duty transport.