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Key elements of the vans Regulation are as follows:

Limit value curve

Emission limits are set according to the mass of vehicle, using a limit value curve. The curve is set in such a way that a fleet average of 175 grams of CO2 per kilometre is achieved. The limit value curve means that heavier vans are allowed higher emissions than lighter vans while preserving the overall fleet average. Only the fleet average is regulated, so manufacturers will still be able to make vehicles with emissions above the limit value curve provided these are balanced by vehicles below the curve.

Phasing-in of requirements

The EU fleet average of 175 g/km will be phased in between 2014 and 2017. In 2014  an average of 70%of each manufacturer's newly registered vans must comply with the limit value curve set by the legislation. This proportion will rise to 75% in 2015, 80% in 2016, and 100% from 2017 onwards.

Types of vehicles affected

The legislation affects vans, which account for around 12% of the market for light-duty vehicles. This includes vehicles used to carry goods weighing up to 3.5t (vans and car-derived vans, known as "N1") and which weigh less than 2610kg when empty.

Lower penalty payments for small excess emissions until 2018

If the average CO2 emissions of a manufacturer's fleet exceed its limit value in any year from 2014, the manufacturer has to pay an excess emissions premium for each van registered. This premium amounts to €5 for the first g/km of exceedance, €15 for the second g/km, €25 for the third g/km, and €95 for each subsequent g/km. From 2019, the first g/km of exceedance will cost €95. This value is equivalent to the premium for passenger cars.

Long-term target

A target of 147g/km is specified for the year 2020. This needs to be confirmed in a review of the vans Regulation, based on an updated assessment of its costs and benefits, that is to be completed no later than the beginning of 2013. The modalities for reaching this target and aspects of its implementation, including the excess emissions premium, will also be defined as part of the review.

Eco-innovations

Because the test procedure used for vehicle type approval is outdated, certain innovative technologies cannot demonstrate their CO2-reducing effects under the type approval test. As an interim procedure until the test procedure is reviewed by 2014, manufacturers can be granted emission credits equivalent to a maximum emissions saving of 7g/km for their fleet if they equip vehicles with innovative technologies, based on independently verified data.

Super credits

The vans Regulation gives manufacturers additional incentives to produce vehicles with extremely low emissions (below 50g/km). Each low-emitting van will be counted as 3.5 vehicles in 2014 and 2015, 2.5 in 2016 and 1.5 vehicles in 2017. This approach will help manufacturers further reduce the average emissions of their new van fleet. They will be able to claim this 'super credit' for a maximum of 25,000 vans over the 2014-17 period.

Pools acting jointly and specific targets for smaller manufacturers

Manufacturers may group together to form a pool and act jointly in meeting the emission targets. Independent manufacturers which sell fewer than 22,000 vehicles per year can also apply to the Commission for an individual target instead.

Monitoring CO2 emissions from new light commercial vehicles

Under the legislation, the Commission will lay down rules on the data required to monitor the CO2 emissions of new vans. The Member States will be required to monitor and deliver this data as of 2012.

Entry into force

The European Commission made its legislative proposal in October 2009. In December 2010 the European Parliament and Council reached agreement on a text which modified several points of the Commission's proposal.

The text was formally adopted as Regulation (EU) No 510/2011 on 11 May 2011 and entered into force on 3 June 2011.