Brussels, Belgium – A proposal by the European Commission to promote a broad market introduction of clean and energy-efficient vehicles through public procurement has achieved support from the European Parliament. The parliamentary vote is based on a compromise reached with the Member States, which are expected to adopt the proposal shortly.

“This agreement marks an important step forward in the energy, climate and environment policies of the European Union,” said Commision Vice-President Antonio Tajani. “The public sector in Europe will set an example by promoting new and better vehicle technologies for a future sustainable transport system. This sends a clear signal to the market and to the citizens on the competitive value of technologies which save energy and protect the environment.”

The proposed directive will introduce, for the first time, energy consumption, and CO2 and pollutant emissions as mandatory award criteria into public procurement of vehicles. It applies to public authorities and publicly-owned undertakings, and to undertakings running public passenger transport services. Not only the price but also the impact the vehicle creates during its lifetime for the environment will be reflected in the purchase decision. Flexibility is provided for local authorities on the detailed implementation.

The proposal includes a harmonized methodology to determine lifetime costs for energy consumption and emissions, enabling a transparent comparison of vehicle investment costs with the costs linked to the operation of the vehicles to allow for informed purchase decisions.

The directive is expected to have an impact well beyond its immediate scope, as a key market of high visibility that can lead the decisions in business and private sectors. As a result, it is expected over the long time to result in a considerably faster and broader market introduction of clean, energy-efficient vehicles, and in a reduction of their costs through economies of scale.