Car emissions spike, as countries plan ‘cash for clunkers’ redux

(EurActiv, 3 Jun 2020) Europe’s average CO2 emissions from new cars increased again in 2018, according to data released on Wednesday (3 June) by the EU’s environment agency. National plans aimed at stimulating the sector could worsen those figures further.

According to the EEA report, fleet emissions for new cars registered in the EU, UK and Iceland increased by 2.3g of CO2 per kilometre in 2018. That puts the fleet average at 120.8g, significantly above an EU-wide target of 95g that kicks in at the end of 2020.

Emissions also increased in 2017.

The resurgence of petrol cars and more purchases of large SUVs have pushed CO2 output up, as motorists turn away from diesel cars in the wake of the Volkswagen emissions cheating scandal that broke in 2015.

“The ‘de-dieselisation’ of the fleet has increased average emissions but its overall effect on each car manufacturer’s performance depends on the fleet characteristic of the manufacturer,” the report explains.

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EurActiv, 3 Jun 2020: Car emissions spike, as countries plan ‘cash for clunkers’ redux