This press release was distributed by the Working Group on Monitoring Methodologies (WGMM), of which the EBB is a founding member, on 9 July 2024 Brussels, 9 July – More than one year after entry into force of the CO₂ emission standards for new heavy-duty vehicles (Regulation (EU) 2024/1610), in force since 26 June, with legal effect from 1 July 2024 pursuant to Article 5, the European Commission has yet to follow up on the commitment outlined in Recital 17 to assess the role of a methodology for registering heavy-duty vehicles running exclusively on CO₂-neutral fuels. The regulation clearly stated that this assessment should take place within a year of its entry into force – a deadline that has passed. As the EU intensifies efforts to decarbonise freight transport, the lack of an assessment risks delaying the adoption and use of viable solutions already available on the market. The absence of progress is especially concerning given the lack of clarity on a parallel solution for ICE passenger cars. In response, the industry has proactively taken the lead. The Working Group on Monitoring Methodologies (WGMM) – an open forum of industry actors in the fuel and automotive supply chains – published a comprehensive Report in December 2024, proposing a way forward. Key elements of the WGMM report include:

• A working definition of CO₂-neutral fuels,
• Evaluation of 11 methodology options,
• A holistic assessment that considers practicality, enforceability, and consumer impact.

The report was submitted to the Commission and offers a solid basis for the required assessment process. “CO2 neutral fuels heavy-duty vehicles are already contributing to emissions reductions,” said Alain Mathuren, Chair of WGMM and Communications Director at FuelsEurope. “We need a fast and pragmatic framework to define a new vehicle class that operates on CO₂-neutral fuels.” The WGMM stands ready to support the Commission with technical and legislative expertise. The industry’s message is clear: we are ready to collaborate, but time is of the essence. We don’t need to wait for the next revision of the CO2 emission standards. The Commission should now seize this opportunity to broaden the regulatory pathway for climate-neutral transport and engage with stakeholders without further delay.   About the WGMM The Working Group on Monitoring Methodologies of CO2-Neutral Fuels (WGMM) is a voluntary collaboration of over 50 stakeholders from across the automotive value chain – feedstock to end-users – which includes fuel manufacturers and suppliers, vehicle manufacturers and their supply chain, logistics and distribution, and the retail including equipment and marketing. For more information and inquiries, please visit the WGMM website which has been launched recently. https://wgmm.eu/