Transport by Motorbikes, Passenger Cars and Light Commercial Vehicles
Purchase, leasing and operation of zero-emission passenger cars, motorbikes and light commercial vehicles contributing to decarbonised road transport.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation
The activity covers the purchase, financing, leasing, rental and operation of motor vehicles designated as category M1 (passenger cars), N1 (light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes), or L (two- and three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles). To make a substantial contribution, vehicles must have zero direct (tailpipe) CO2 emissions as defined under Regulation (EU) 2019/631 for M1 and N1 categories and Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 for L-category vehicles.
Until 31 December 2025, M1 and N1 vehicles with specific emissions below 50 gCO2/km (WLTP) may also qualify, provided they meet the most stringent Euro 6 emission standards. From 2026 onwards, only zero-emission vehicles qualify. This transition timeline reflects the EU's pathway to fully decarbonised road transport by 2035.
Vehicles must be type-approved and registered in accordance with applicable EU vehicle regulations. Fleet operators must report the average CO2 intensity of their fleet and demonstrate year-on-year reductions aligned with manufacturer targets under Regulation (EU) 2019/631.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation
The activity must comply with Appendix A of the Climate Delegated Act. A proportionate CRVA must consider risks to vehicle infrastructure, including extreme heat effects on battery systems, flooding of charging facilities, and road surface degradation from weather extremes.
DNSH: Climate Change Adaptation
A climate risk and vulnerability assessment must be carried out covering the expected operational lifetime of the vehicle. Material physical risks, including heat stress on battery thermal management systems and flood risk to parking and charging infrastructure, must be identified and mitigated.
DNSH: Circular Economy
Vehicles must comply with end-of-life vehicle requirements under Directive 2000/53/EC, achieving a minimum 95% reuse and recovery rate by weight. Traction batteries must meet the collection, recycling efficiency and material recovery targets of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. Manufacturers must provide dismantling information and ensure spare part availability for the vehicle's reasonable service life.
DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control
Vehicles must comply with the applicable Euro emission standard (Euro 6d or later for combustion hybrids during the transition period). Tyres must meet rolling resistance and noise requirements of Regulation (EC) No 661/2009. Brake systems must incorporate regenerative braking to minimise particulate emissions from friction brakes. The vehicle must meet all type-approval requirements relating to non-exhaust particulate emissions.