Policy Brief
CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles: VECTO governance framework in the European Union and recommendations for Brazil
The Vehicle Energy Consumption calculation Tool (VECTO) was recently adopted by Brazil’s Green Mobility and Innovation (MOVER) Program as the official simulation tool for certifying carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.
Established in 2024, the MOVER Program sets mandatory requirements for new vehicles, including fuel efficiency and CO₂ emission targets. The adoption of VECTO— a tool used in the European Union to certify emissions of heavy-duty vehicles—is part of the implementation timeline for emission targets in this segment.
However, implementing VECTO in the Brazilian context requires the establishment of a governance framework that has yet to be defined. This publication presents recommendations for establishing such a structure, outlining the institutional framework used in the European Union and proposing adaptations for Brazil to ensure transparency and effective policy implementation.
Building on this analysis, the study proposes five key recommendations for the Brazilian government:
- Establish formal cooperation with the European Commission to support the technical and regulatory adaptation of VECTO to Brazil’s context.
- Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of government institutions involved in overseeing the tool and managing data.
- Prioritize the development of a robust data infrastructure.
- Promote transparency and public monitoring, ensuring that information is accessible and verifiable.
- Build local technical capacity within both public institutions and the automotive industry.
A well-coordinated governance framework can provide the regulatory certainty and operational clarity needed for effective implementation. If successfully applied, Brazil’s VECTO-based heavy-duty vehicle efficiency policy could serve as an example for other Latin American countries, demonstrating how robust simulation tools can support ambitious yet achievable climate targets in the transport sector.