Features
3 Apr 17

CO2, not a matter of OEMs alone

Through the development of fuel-efficiency enhancing technologies and alternative powertrains, the automotive industry has made considerable progress in terms of reducing greenhouse gases. But technology alone will not do to reach the emission goals: we need a holistic approach.

In 2015, the average new car emissions were 119.6 g CO2/km compared to 186 g/km in 1995 – a 36% decrease in just two decades (source: ACEA). By 2021, this number needs to be 95 g/km, increasing the average manufacturing cost with a strangling € 1,000 to € 2,000 per unit compared to 2010 (source: FTI Consulting). This puts serious pressure on the European automotive industry, which is the number one investor in R&D, spending € 44.7 billion on innovation each year, and employs 12.2 million citizens (5.6% of total EU employment).

Putting things in perspective

The EU’s 2030 climate and energy package, which implies decarbonisation across all transport modes in Europe, imposes ambitious targets for further reducing CO2 emissions. The automotive industry has already made a considerable contribution and ACEA welcomes the initiative. However, one must not forget that cars and vans represent just 13% of GHG emissions in the EU. The biggest polluter remains energy supply (30%) followed by industry (19%) and buildings (also 13%).

Furthermore, technology can only do so much. Indeed, we should look at all factors influencing emissions during the lifetime of the vehicle, taking a holistic, ‘whole of society’ approach which stretches far beyond the automotive industry. Such a 360-degree approach will drive down CO2 emissions more effectively as it is based on a full spectrum of solutions.

Five ways forward

ACEA sees five areas to work on:

  1. Faster fleet renewal. The average age of cars in the EU is close to 10 years and keeps on rising. To reduce CO2 emissions of the vehicles on the road, the fleet needs to be renewed more quickly. One solution can be scrappage schemes for the oldest vehicles.
  2. Change to alternative powertrains. In 2015, some 4% of total passenger car registrations were alternatively powered, i.e. CNG, hybrid, electric or hydrogen. That’s 20% more than in 2014, but still a long way from where it needs to be. Governments must increase or at least maintain financial incentives.
  3. Using intelligent transport systems (ITS). Thanks to connected vehicles and real time information, drivers can make optimal decisions about when to drive, route selection, and where to park, avoiding fuel being burnt unnecessarily.
  4. Improving infrastructure. Multiple solutions exist, but the most effective one is ensuring the roads are well maintained. This could reduce GHG emissions by 2%. Flipside of the coin: roadworks cause traffic jams.
  5. Enhancing driver behaviour. Driver education is paramount in trying to reduce the actual emission of GHG. Stabilised speed, proactive driving, more conscious trip planning: these are all elements that can improve under an eco-driving programme, ideally supported by telematics and a driver app
Authored by: Dieter Quartier