Sweden’s gap to its 2045 climate target widens as electric vehicle sales slow

In just under 20 years, Sweden is expected to reach net zero emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. But according to the scenarios presented in connection with the 2027 budget bill, the gap to the target has widened compared with last year's scenarios.

This is mainly due to developments in transport, which accounts for more than a third of total emissions. Sales of electric cars, trucks and work machines are slower than previously expected.

Political decisions that have affected emissions include reducing the so-called reduction obligation during the current term of government, which has lowered the proportion of biofuels blended into fuels and increased carbon dioxide emissions. At the same time, fuel taxes have been cut several times, and Sweden now has some of the lowest petrol and diesel prices in the EU.

Methodological improvements in the calculations of emissions from heavy trucks have also affected the forecast.