Real-world CO₂ emissions from internal combustion cars did not drop between 2009 and 2019, according to Court of Auditors of EU

Between 2009 and 2019, average real-world CO₂ emissions of new vehicles did not drop, the Court of Auditors of the European Union revealed in a report published on Wednesday 24 January.

Since 2010, the regulation on CO₂ emissions from passenger cars has set an EU-wide target for average CO₂ emissions from new cars registered. The CO₂ emissions collected and verified appeared to comply with regulations.

However, the Court explains this error by the fact that car manufacturers have concentrated on reducing emissions measured in laboratories rather than on the road. In 2017, a new laboratory test cycle, which better reflects real-life driving conditions, became compulsory for new type-approved vehicles.

Since 2022, the Commission has been collecting information on real-world emissions from on-board fuel consumption meters installed in new vehicles. This will enable it to detect any gap between laboratory and real-world results that are increasing again.

The Court therefore recommends that the Commission increase the level of assurance that vehicle emissions match manufacturers' statements on certificates of conformity by 2025. It also suggests making better use of electronic tools for collecting and checking car-related data. Lastly, it recommends refocusing CO₂ emissions reduction targets on the key factors that influence emissions from new passenger cars.

“As far as electric vehicles are concerned, obviously we share the view of many stakeholders and many studies that this is the only viable technology at the moment that can move us towards carbon-free transport”, said one of those responsible for the Court’s audit at a press conference.

To read the report: https://aeur.eu/f/ajw (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)