Switzerland proposes EU-wide energy label for cars

Switzerland plans to replace its energy label for cars, in use since 2003, with a standardised European Union label. The Federal Council has opened consultation on the proposal, SRF reported.

The EU label would use carbon dioxide emissions to classify vehicles, putting all fully electric cars in category A. Under the current Swiss system, only the most energy-efficient electric cars receive that rating, while most are in category B.

The label could be supplied by manufacturers with each vehicle, simplifying procedures for importers, dealers and enforcement authorities, the Federal Council said.

A separate proposed change to the CO2 Act would raise the 2030 emissions target for new light commercial vehicles from 90.6 to 108.7 grams per kilometre, easing the requirements for importers. For heavy commercial vehicles, the required emissions reduction would increase to 45 per cent from the currently planned 30 per cent.

The proposals are based on plans from the European Commission’s automotive package and could change during EU discussions. The Federal Council said the changes would have little effect on CO2 emissions overall, as the stricter and looser targets would largely offset each other. The consultation runs until February 18.