EU truck manufacturers on track to meet first-ever CO2 emissions targets

For five out of the seven largest truck manufacturers in the European Union, the 2025 15% CO2 reduction target is comfortably within reach. Scania and Volvo Trucks stand out, having met this target two years ahead of schedule.

(Berlin) September 10, 2025 — A new study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) reveals positive news for Europe’s main truck manufacturers: five of the seven largest, representing 70% of the market, are on track to meet the EU’s first-ever CO₂ target for heavy-duty vehicles (HDV).

Europe’s CO₂ standards mandate a 15% reduction in average emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles compared to 2019 levels. Manufacturers can comply by improving the efficiency of their diesel and natural gas trucks and increasing sales of zero-emission models, including battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, or hydrogen internal combustion vehicles.

There are also several compliance flexibilities available: manufacturers can earn credits by producing low-emitting vehicles between 2019 and 2024 and use these credits in 2025 if they miss the 15% target. They can also transfer vehicles between brands, effectively allowing manufacturers with the same parent company to pool their emissions.

“Most manufacturers are already well on track to meet their 2025 CO₂ targets. For those still catching up, there are clear and realistic pathways to close the gap, such as technology improvements or compliance flexibilities. With zero-emission sales picking up and conventional vehicles becoming more efficient, Europe’s heavy-duty industry is well positioned to hit its first CO₂ milestone,” says Eamonn Mulholland, ICCT Senior Researcher and lead author of the study.

Two manufacturers—Scania and Volvo Trucks—have already met the 2025 CO₂ target two years early in 2023, with Volvo leading Europe in zero-emission heavy vehicle sales. Renault Trucks and DAF can comply using credits earned between 2019 and 2023, while MAN can stay on track by pooling their emissions with Scania. Daimler Truck will need moderate improvements to their diesel vehicles or higher zero-emission sales. Iveco, one of the smallest manufacturers, faces a steeper challenge but could course-correct through efficiency improvements and increased zero-emission HDV sales.

Figure. Fleet-average specific CO₂ emissions for HDV manufacturers, 2019–2023

Heavy-duty vehicles account for over a quarter of EU road transport CO₂ emissions. The 2025 targets mark the first milestone in one of the world’s most ambitious frameworks for this sector, with subsequent reductions of 45% by 2030, 65% by 2035, and 90% by 2040 planned.

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Media Contact
Sophie Ehmsen, Communications Associate
communications@theicct.org 

Publication details
Title: Within reach – The 2025 CO2 targets for new heavy-duty vehicles in Europe
Authors: Eamonn Mulholland, Hussein Basma, Pierre-Louis Ragon, and Felipe Rodríguez
Please use this link to cite the report: theicct.org/publication/co2-targets-for-new-hdvs-in-europe-sept25 

About the International Council on Clean Transportation 
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) is an independent research organization providing first-rate, unbiased research and technical and scientific analysis to environmental regulators. Our mission is to improve the environmental performance and energy efficiency of road, marine, and air transportation, in order to benefit public health and mitigate climate change. Founded in 2001, we are a nonprofit organization working under grants and contracts from private foundations and public institutions.

Find us at:
www.theicct.org
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