Joint statement: Network For Sustainable Mobility calls for technology-neutral CO₂ Standards Regulations

ePURE is among the associations in the Network for Sustainable Mobility, a voluntary and informal gathering of stakeholders along the value chain representing the transport, engineering, fuel manufacturing and energy sectors supporting the role of sustainable renewable fuels in a climate-neutral road transport system. We joined in signing the following statement:

The Network for Sustainable Mobility acknowledges the swift adoption of the targeted amendment to the CO₂ standards for light-duty vehicles. This move demonstrates commendable political resolve to provide short-term flexibility to Europe’s automotive sector. But let us be clear: temporary relief must not distract us from the deeper, systemic challenge — the flawed premise that decarbonisation can only be achieved through electrification.

This assumption is not only outdated, it is dangerously limiting. Europe cannot afford a one-technology strategy. We must forge a path forward that is ambitious, inclusive, and technologically sovereign — one that unleashes the full potential of all climate-neutral solutions, including sustainable renewable fuels.

We call on the European Commission to lead boldly and deliver on its promises:

• Confirm the commitment made in the Automotive Industry Action Plan by advancing the review clause of the CO₂ standards for light-duty vehicles to Q3/Q4 2025 — as pledged.
• Champion a truly technology-neutral policy framework where both vehicle-side innovation and fuel-based solutions are empowered to deliver climate benefits — together.
• Deliver a forward-looking review report that captures the full spectrum of technological and market realities. This report must pave the way for a regulatory revision that acknowledges the essential role of CO₂ neutral fuels — such as sustainable biofuels and e-fuels —towards automaker’s CO₂ reduction targets.

To put this into practice, we urge the Commission to introduce:

• A Carbon Correction Factor (CCF) to reflect the share of CO₂ neutral fuels already in circulation.
• A new vehicle category exclusively powered by CO₂ neutral fuels, leveraging all potential monitoring methodologies, such as digital solutions and mass-balancing approaches.
• And a robust, technology-neutral definition of CO₂ neutral fuels based on the Renewable Energy Directive ((EU) 2023/2413) to be embedded within both light-duty and heavy-duty CO₂ standards.

We further urge the European Parliament to act:

Political Groups must seize this moment to table a Joint Motion for a Resolution — reaffirming Parliament’s commitment to a technology-open and cost-effective decarbonisation of road transport.

Our Network stands united behind a common European ambition: a legislative framework that puts decarbonisation and industrial competitiveness at its core. One that gives every technology the chance to contribute, and gives European citizens and businesses the freedom to choose the mobility solutions that work best — economically and environmentally.

The future of Europe’s road transport must be built on innovation, resilience, and unity — not restriction.

Let’s drive this transformation together.