First Commission report on real-world CO2 emissions of cars and vans using data from on-board fuel consumption monitoring devices
climate.ec.europa.eu
Today, the Commission published its first report on the real-world CO2 emissions of new passenger cars and vans. The report is based on data collected in 2021 from fuel consumption monitors installed on-board of these vehicles.

EDIT clarifications:

  • the article is from the European Commission. This thing comes from a serious study based on hard facts and data.
  • Check this comment by @wooster@startrek.website, who reported the data.
  • Note that plugin hybrids are still better than pure ice, but they were expected to be much better.

It’s not a typo: plug-in hybrids are used, in real word cases, with ICE much more than anticipated.

In the EU, fuel consumption monitoring devices are required on new cars. They studied over 10% of all cars sold in 2021 and turns out they use way more fuel, and generate way more CO2, than anybody thought.

The gap means that CO2 emissions reduction objectives from transport will be more difficult to reach.

Thruth is, we need less cars, not “better” cars.

  • anguo@lemmy.ca
    1·
    9 months ago

    I don’t have anything that I dislike in particular, I just feel that by trying to be two things, it does both poorly. My main criticism is the massive weight, which is inefficient. You’re either lugging a heavy (quickly emptied) battery around, or a heavy motor and tank of gas that you’re not using (I keep mine at a quarter full for that reason). I’m not saying don’t buy a plug-in hybrid, I’m just saying that I’d recommend going fully electric instead.

    • RememberTheApollo_@lemmy.world
      2·
      9 months ago

      That’s kinda the compromise of the PHEV. It’s the best of both worlds…sorta. Yeah, lugging dead weight around compounds ICE fuel usage over the life of the car, but most people do all of their driving within a few miles of home, so even if your “E” part of the PHEV is lugging around a dead gas engine for these trips it’s still far better than running ICE for all these shorter runs. Earlier PHEV had awful battery life, 10-15 miles, but the newer ones are doing much better with ~20 miles or so. That’s way more reasonable. We’ve gone weeks without filling our car with gas, so FWIW over the life of the vehicle I think that makes up for extra battery weight when running gas.

      I absolutely agree that PHEV weight, or even regular EV weight, is a serious concern. Disregarding efficiency issues the power output of some EVs is crazy, the mass and torque could be dangerous and potentially deadly.

      If one can manage the infrastructure issues with EV charging, and the high price to buy in to a decent one, yeah, pure EV is the way to go.

      • anguo@lemmy.ca
        1·
        9 months ago

        I agree. The main advantage over an ICE is for small trips. Small trips is also the reason my gas consumption is so low. It’s also the reason I’m about to replace the car completely for a cargo e-bike and public transit ;)