The Network for Sustainable Mobility, an informal association of energy & mobility stakeholders, has recently issued a statement outlining its stance on the European Union’s approach to decarbonising road transport. The Network acknowledges the recent amendments to CO₂ standards for light-duty vehicles but argues that the focus on electrification as the primary solution is limiting and potentially counterproductive.
The Network’s critique centres on the belief that a singular focus on electrification could stifle innovation and overlook other viable solutions, such as sustainable renewable fuels. They advocate for a more inclusive approach that embraces a variety of technologies, such as road transport fuels from biological and synthetic origins. This perspective is part of a broader debate within the industry about the best path forward for achieving Europe’s ambitious climate goals.
The Network’s political demands include advancing the review clause of the CO₂ standards to Q3/Q4 2025, championing a technology-neutral policy framework, and delivering a comprehensive review report that captures the full spectrum of technological and market realities. They propose specific regulatory changes, such as introducing a Carbon Correction Factor (CCF) and creating a new vehicle category for CO₂ neutral fuels.
The Network also calls on the European Parliament to take decisive action, urging political groups to table a Joint Motion for a Resolution that reaffirms Parliament’s commitment to a technology-open and cost-effective decarbonization of road transport. This motion would signal a unified approach to achieving climate goals without restricting technological diversity.
The Network for Sustainable Mobility envisions a legislative framework that prioritises decarbonisation and industrial competitiveness. This framework would allow European citizens and businesses to choose economically and environmentally optimal mobility solutions.
The Network’s stance reflects a pervasive sentiment within certain corners of the transport industry that Europe’s decarbonisation strategy must be both ambitious and technologically neutral, leveraging a spectrum of climate-neutral solutions. Others, however, maintain that electrification is the most appropriate decarbonisation strategy for the road transport sector.
