By fitting new cars with approved “eco-innovations” that reduce emissions, carmakers will get a credit that will help them meet the forthcoming EU target of average CO2 emissions of 130g/km by 2015.

The green technologies will count for up to 7g/km towards the target although they will need to fit in with criteria including they are new to the market, contribute to significant CO2 savings and are not otherwise taken into account in determining the level of CO2 emissions from vehicles.

The European Commission has also stipulated that the technology should aim at improve vehicle propulsion or the energy consumption of devices that are mandatory, without compromising vehicle safety. It gives an example of solar panels that convert sunlight into electric energy which could potentially qualify as an eco-innovation but an energy-efficient in-car music system would not.

Applications will be submitted by carmakers and component suppliers with the European Commission adopting decisions approving generic eco-innovations. It adds that the actual CO2 savings from the eco-innovations for each specific car will be certified as part of the vehicle type approval procedure.