Europe
[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
EU Carbon Trading Policy Shifting From National To Regional Structure
April 24, 2008
by Jack Rosebro
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| EU climate and energy policies, with existing policy in yellow and proposed post-2012 policy in blue. Click to enlarge. |
The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (MNP) has released a report that evaluates current EU proposals to reform its Emissions Trading Directive (EU ETS) on carbon trading for industrial emissions after 2012. The report—Consequences of the European Policy Package on Climate and Energy—assesses the EU ETS reform scheme, and compares it to the Netherlands’ own Schoon en Zuinig (Clean and Efficient) greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction policy.
Although the EU’s own emissions reduction targets remain in place, national reduction targets for total GHG emissions will no longer be set by the Commission after 2012, shifting more of the responsibility for European climate policy to the European level, and away from separate member states. Only one EU-wide cap will limit the number of emission allowances, as opposed to the 27 national caps currently in use. The annual cap will decline over time.
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Scania Double-Decker Ethanol Hybrid Bus to Go On Trial in the UK
April 22, 2008
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| Reading Buses’ single-decker ethanol-hybrid prototype. |
Reading Buses, the transport company owned by Reading Borough Council in the UK, says it will have a double-decker ethanol-electric hybrid bus from Scania fully operational and on the roads within the next 2 years. The concept bus has been going through refinements since last year and is currently only a single-decker bus.
Reading Buses currently has successfully trialed a double-decker bus that uses Scania’s heavy-duty ethanol engine, and will introduce a further 14 ethanol buses into service from this month. Scania, which has built more than 600 ethanol-powered city buses since 1989, currently has four single-decker ethanol hybrid buses on trial in Stockholm.
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Preliminary GHG Inventory Shows EU-15 Emissions Dropped 0.9% Between 2005 and 2006
April 21, 2008
Provisional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA) show that EU-15 Member States reduced their emissions by 0.9% between 2005 and 2006, with an overall reduction of 35.8 million tonnes CO2 equivalent. EU-15 emissions now stand 2.7% below their base-year emissions. EU-15 has a common reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol of –8% to 2008–2012 compared to a base year, which is in most cases 1990, but some Member States have chosen 1995 for fluorinated-gases.
During the same period (2005—2006), EU-27 emissions decreased by 0.3% or 15 million tonnes CO2 equivalent and are now 7.4 % below 1990 levels. The EU has made a firm independent commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% between 1990 and 2020.
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European Environment Agency Scientific Committee Calls for Suspension of Europe’s 10% Biofuels Target
April 10, 2008
The European Environment Agency (EEA) Scientific Committee has called for the suspension of the EU target of 10% biofuels use in transportation by 2020, and is recommending a new, comprehensive scientific study on the environmental risks and benefits of biofuels.
The Scientific Committee assists the management board and executive director of the EEA by providing scientific advice and delivering professional opinions on any scientific matter in the areas of work undertaken by the Agency. The committee comprises 20 independent scientists from 15 EEA member countries, covering a variety of environmental fields.
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New LDV Fleet in UK Shows 2.8% Drop in CO2 in Q1 2008
April 09, 2008
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| Sales-weighted average CO2 emissions per vehicle by manufacturer for new cars sold in the UK in Q1 2008. Red line shows the EU 2012 target of 130 g/km. Click to enlarge. |
The sales-weighted average CO2 emissions for new light duty vehicles (LDV) sold in the UK during the first quarter of 2008 dropped 2.79% to 161.13 g CO2/km, down from 165.76 g CO2/km in the first quarter of 2007, according to figures compiled by Clean Green Cars. Between Q1 2006 and Q1 2007, the average from new vehicles had shown a 1.23% decrease. However, since the EU target is 130 g/km by 2012, the rate of decrease will have to reach 5.3% per year to meet the target.
The data shows a wide variation between the performances of individual manufacturers; some have made improvements of more than 10% and some have made no improvements. Reflecting the progress made by parent BMW, Mini is now the lowest CO2 manufacturer on a sales-weighted basis in the UK, followed by Fiat, Peugeot, Citroën and Toyota.
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Citroën Refreshes the C2 Supermini; New Diesel Engine
April 06, 2008
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| The new C2. |
Citroën has refreshed its C2 supermini with some design changes and a new diesel engine. From May 2008, depending on the country, the C2 diesel range will be available with the 110 bhp HDi engine and particulate filter. The 1.6 liter 16V HDi 110 engine made its debut on Citroën’s C3 range.
The engine consumes 4.4 L/100 km (53.5 mpg US) for CO2 emissions of 119 g/km. As a result, the C2 HDi 110 DPFS carries the Airdream label which identifies Citroën’s most efficient models.
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Germany Cancels Plans to Introduce E10 in 2009
April 03, 2008
by Rafael Seidl
German environment minister Sigmar Gabriel has canceled plans to raise the mandatory ethanol content of all Euro91 and Euro95 gasoline grade fuel sold in the country from the current 5% to 10% in 2009.
Meanwhile, the German oil industry is withdrawing Euro91 from the market as global demand has driven its wholesale prices level with those of the higher-octane Euro95 product. Owners of vehicles whose fuel systems were not designed for E10 compatibility would have to fill up on premium Euro98 instead, which currently costs ~12% more at the pump but yields only ~6% more miles per gallon (thanks to energy density, not octane rating).
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EEA Report Studies Six Successful Local and Regional Transport Policy Efforts for GHG Reduction
March 21, 2008
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| A range of policy instruments for the transport sector that can be used to implement measures that reduce GHG emissions and alleviate other environmental problems. Click to enlarge |
The European Environment Agency (EEA) has released a report on six road transport policy projects—implemented in the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom—that have helped to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The projects, which also helped improve air quality and reduce noise, are not based on new vehicle technology. Measures include replacing business travel with teleconferencing, limiting driving speed, promoting behavioral change with ecodriving, introducing congestion charges and environmental zones, and improving energy efficiency by means of freight consolidation centers.
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Envisat Provides Data Showing Regionally Elevated CO2 from Man-made Emissions
March 18, 2008
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| The findings from the analysis of SCIAMACHY data shows an extended plume of CO2 over Europe’s most populated area, the region from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to Frankfurt, Germany. Click to enlarge. Credits: ESA - DLR - IUP, Univ. Bremen |
Using data from the SCIAMACHY instrument aboard the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Envisat environmental satellite, scientists have, for the first time, detected regionally elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide originating from man-made emissions.
Dr. Michael Buchwitz from the Institute of Environmental Physics (IUP) at the University of Bremen in Germany and his colleagues detected the relatively weak atmospheric CO2 signal arising from regional anthropogenic CO2 emissions over Europe by processing and analysing SCIAMACHY data from 2003 to 2005.
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For Europe, A Second Look At Biofuels?
March 16, 2008
by Jack Rosebro
Remarks made by European heads of state following the European Council’s annual Spring Summit, which was held last week in Brussels, indicate that the European Commission’s aspirations to boost the use of biofuels in European transport to 10% of total use by 2020 may well be revised to address concerns that increased biofuel production is already impacting food costs and water supplies, while accelerating deforestation and reducing the biosphere’s carbon sinks, creating a resultant intensification of man-made greenhouse gas production.
According to Euractiv1, Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, observed after the summit: “We’re not excluding the possibility that we’ll have to amend or revise our [biofuel] goals.” Regarding the viability of biofuels, EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer-Boël stated “I know that various objections have been raised, and the Commission takes them seriously. But we believe we can answer them.”
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Dutch Report to European Parliament Recommends Reconsidering 10% Biofuels Target for Transport Sector
March 06, 2008
In a study presented to the European Parliament, The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (MNP, Milieu en Natuur Planbureau) concluded that replacing transport fuels with current biofuels is not the best investment in sustainability, and that the EU should reconsider its current obligatory 10% target by 2020 for biofuels in transport.
The potential of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 with a 10% biofuel target is quite low, according to the report, Local and global consequences of the EU renewable directive for biofuels. The current plan would result in a reduction of 3-5% per kilometer—far less than the increase in transport kilometers—according to the analysis.
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Hyundai Unveils New Concept Car HED-5 “i-Mode” With New Two-Stage Turbocharged Diesel Engine
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| The i-Mode concept. |
At the Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai Motor Co. is introducing the HED-5 “i-Mode” concept. The 6-seater monocab study incorporates a new 2.2-liter two-stage turbocharged diesel engine that is planned for production in the first half of 2011 and lighter weight high-tech materials to reduce fuel consumption.
The engine in the i-Mode is an all-new 2.2-liter R diesel which first passes intake through a low-pressure turbocharger from which it is forced into a high-pressure turbocharger to deliver maximized boosts. The R engine delivers 158 kW (212 hp) of power and 461 Nm (340 lb-ft) peak torque respectively, for a power density in excess of 70 kW/L.
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VW Introduces Dual-Fuel CNG Passat at Geneva
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| The Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel. |
Volkswagen unveiled the dual-fuel Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel concept—a car powered by either natural gas or conventional gasoline—at the Geneva Motor Show. In mainland Europe the vehicle will be introduced in both saloon and estate bodystyles before the end of the year. Sales of the vehicle in the UK are yet to be confirmed.
The Passat Estate TSI EcoFuel is powered by a 1.4-liter TSI 110 kW (148 hp) engine running on either natural gas or gasoline. The engine features both a supercharger and a turbocharger operating sequentially to provide relatively high power outputs from a small capacity engine.
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Hyundai Introduces i-blue Systems at Geneva; Diesel and CNG Applications
March 05, 2008
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| The i10 blue offers CO2 emissions of 95 g/km. |
Hyundai Motor Co. is presenting its i-blue systems concept, an optimized combination of currently available technologies (i-blue package) with a completely new engine and a CNG application, at the Geneva Motor Show. The result is a range of technologies, based upon the i10, i10 CNG, i30 and the forthcoming i20, that are engineered to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and that can be applied across existing models.
While the individual models differ in the exact combination of i-blue features, the overall package comprises advances in drag reduction, increased engine and transmission efficiency, and chassis fine-tuning.
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EEA Report: EU Fails to Curb Transport GHG Emissions; Focus on Vehicle and Fuel Technologies is Not Enough, Demand Must Be Constrained
March 03, 2008
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| Greenhouse gas emissions from transport in the EU-27 increased by more than 26% between 1990 and 2005 in EEA member countries. EU-15 Member States are responsible for 83% of the total (not including international aviation and maritime transport). This increase in emissions has occurred even though vehicle fleets are more efficient. Click to enlarge. |
The current focus on vehicle and fuel technologies as a mechanism to reduce transport GHG is insufficient to offset the steady increase in passenger volumes and growth in freight transport, according to a new report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Emissions from the transport sector in the EU-27 have risen by 26% from 1990 to 2005, as opposed to decreasing 7.9% as did total EU-27 emissions over that period.
The report—Climate for a transport change—is the annual publication from the EEA’s Transport and Environment Reporting Mechanism (TERM), which monitors the progress and effectiveness of attempts to integrate transport and environment strategies.
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European HyWays Project Concludes that Hydrogen Use Could Reduce Total Oil Consumption by Transport Sector by 40% Between Now and 2050
February 26, 2008
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| Projected impact on NOx emissions in 10 European countries as a result of the introduction of hydrogen in road transport. Click to enlarge. |
An assessment of the potential of hydrogen energy performed by the European FP6-funded project HyWays has concluded that introducing hydrogen into the energy system would reduce the total oil consumption by the European road transport sector by 40% between now and 2050.
However, the report (European Hydrogen Energy Roadmap) notes that hydrogen adoption faces two primary barriers: cost reduction and policy support, and that actions must be taken as soon as possible. The report was published as European Ministers responsible for research reached an agreement on a €940m public/private research partnership for the development of hydrogen and fuel cells—the Joint Technological Initiative for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen technology.
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Total GHG Emissions in Europe Drop 7.9% Between 1990 and 2005; Transport Sector Sees 26% Increase
February 23, 2008
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| Changes in greenhouse gas emissions for the EU-27 from 1990-2005. Click to enlarge. |
Total greenhouse gas emissions in the EU-27, excluding emission and removals from land-use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF), decreased by 0.7 % between 2004 and 2005 and by 7.9 % between 1990 and 2005, according to data from the European Environment Agency (EEA). Between 1990 and 2005, greenhouse gas emissions decreased in all sectors except in the transport sector, where they increased significantly.
Transport accounted for 21% of GHG emissions in the EU-15 in 2005, and has increased 25.6% for those countries from 1990 to 2005. Transport sector GHG emissions for the EU-27 have increased 26.0% from 1990 to 2005.
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UK Transport Secretary Announces Review of Indirect Impacts of Biofuel Production
February 21, 2008
UK Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly has asked the UK’s Renewable Fuels Agency (RFA) to lead a study of the wider economic and environmental impacts—particularly the indirect impacts—of different forms of biofuel production. The UK created the Renewable Fuels Agency in November 2007 to administer the Government’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) and to report to Ministers and to Parliament on its impacts. The RTFO directs that 5% of all the fuels sold in the UK should come from biofuels by 2010.
The results of the study will help inform the development of both the UK and EU’s policies in this area, and will underpin the consideration of EU biofuel targets after 2010.
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Peugeot to Launch New 308 Models at Geneva; Up to 10% Reduction in Fuel Consumption
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| The new 308 SW reduces fuel consumption by up to 10% compared to the outgoing 307 SW models. |
Peugeot will unveil two new 308 models at this year’s Geneva Motor Show (6-16 March): the 308 SW and the 308 GT THP 175. Peugeot introduced its 308 line—the first of the “8” generation—in September 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. (Earlier post.) The new 308 will serve as the platform for Peugeot’s first E85 flex-fuel model (the BioFlex) later this year.
The 308 SW, replacing the 307 SW, offers a selection of gasoline and diesel engines which, combined with the car’s improved aerodynamics, weight saving measures and the use of Michelin Energy Saver tires, reduces the fuel consumption compared to the 307 SW line-up by up to 10%.
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Porsche Cars GB and London Mayor Clash over Proposed Congestion Charge Hike
by Jack Rosebro
The Times of London and other UK newspapers are reporting that Porsche Cars Great Britain will apply for judicial review of proposed increases in London’s congestion charge (earlier post), which will see the cost of driving the highest GHG-emitting cars (Band G, > 225 g/km) in the capital rise from £8 ($15.50) a day to £25 ($49) a day. The increased charges are scheduled to be implemented starting 27 October 2008.
Porsche says that the proposed increase in the congestion charge for Band G cars is disproportionate and that it will not reduce emissions in central London. All but two of the 56 Porsche model variants on sale in the UK are in Band G, according to VCA carfueldata.org. Drivers of the two that are not are in Band F will be levied the original £8 fee. By contrast, Transport for London’s analysis concludes that by 2010, CO2 emissions would be reduced by an additional 500 to 7,500 tonnes per year under the new charging scheme.
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European Automobile Production Grows by 5.3% in 2007; Diesel Accounts for 53.3% of New Car Registrations
February 20, 2008
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| Diesel share of new car registrations in Western Europe, 1990-2007. Click to enlarge. |
Automotive production from the European motor vehicle industry in the EU27 grew 5.3% in 2007, reaching nearly 19.7 million vehicles (passenger cars, trucks and buses), according to the ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) winter Economic Report.
Diesel-powered cars accounted for 53.3% of total new car registrations in Western Europe in 2007, up from 13.8% in 1990. Luxembourg (77.2%), Belgium (77%), France (73.9%) and Spain (70.9%) had the highest diesel share of new car registrations in 2007. The share of 4x4s has increased steadily as well, rising from 2.6% in 1990 to 9.9% in 2009.
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European Commission Launches “Covenant of Mayors”; Pushes for Accelerated Response to Climate Change
February 18, 2008
by Jack Rosebro
The European Commission has announced the Covenant of Mayors, an EC initiative intended to bring together the mayors of Europe’s “most pioneering cities” to exchange and apply good practices to improve energy efficiency in the urban environment. A primary focus of Covenant of Mayors is a formal commitment by the cities to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions beyond the European union’s objectives of 20% by 2020.
Covenant cities and regions would be required to submit annual public reports on the state of advancement of the Covenant’s Action Plan.
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London Increasing Daily Congestion Zone Fee to £25 (US$49) for High GHG-Emitting Vehicles
February 12, 2008
Completing a process he initiated in 2006 (earlier post), Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has confirmed that the city will levy a substantially larger daily charge for high greenhouse gas-emitting vehicles entering the city’s Congestion Zone: £25 (US$49). At the same time, the city will provide a 100% low CO2 discount for cars that produce less than 120g/km CO2 and meet the Euro 4 standard for air pollution emissions, or that produce no more than 120g/km of CO2 and appear on the PowerShift register.
To be implemented starting 27 October 2008, the changes are intended to encourage drivers within the charging zone to travel in vehicles that produce lower levels of carbon dioxide and to discourage the use of vehicles with high CO2 emissions.
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Mayor of London Unveils Major Walking and Cycling Programs; City to Spend Almost US$1B on Cycling Over Next Decade
February 11, 2008
The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, announced a major package of five programs to create a new network of quick, simple, and safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians that represents the largest investment in walking and cycling in the city’s history. The plan also makes cycling a fully-funded part of the public transport network for the first time.
The city of London is implementing these measures with the aim of having one in ten round trips in London each day made by bike, and saving some 1.6 million tonnes of CO2 per year as Londoners increasingly walk or cycle for short trips instead of taking their cars.
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Alstom Unveils Prototype 224 MPH AGV Train and Its First Customer
February 05, 2008
Alstom has unveiled the prototype of the AGV (Automotrice Grande Vitesse), its fourth-generation very high speed electric train. This single-deck train features the Alstom’s articulated architecture used on the TGV combined with a new distributed drive system based on permanent magnet motors (the train’s motors being located on the bogies, under the train), an innovation which considerably increases the potential number of seats onboard the train by eliminating the need for locomotives.
The AGV is designed to reach a commercial speed of 360 kph (224 mph), and already has its first customer: Italy’s new railway operator, Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori.
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Traction Technology Opts for Enova Hybrid Drive in Bus Project with Supercaps
February 04, 2008
UK-based Traction Technology Plc. is using the Enova 120kW hybrid drive system in combination with a supercapacitor energy storage system in four series hybrid Optare Solo Buses contracted by Merseytravel. The award follows competitive trial evaluation by Merseytravel.
Optare’s Solo is a low-floor midi-bus that is available in six lengths ranging from 7.1 to 10.2 meters. Conventional models are powered by either a Cummins 5.9L, 150 kW (201 bhp) ISBe Euro4 six-cylinder turbodiesel or a MAN 4.6L 132 kW D0834 Euro 4 four-cylinder turbo diesel.
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Daimler AG and Deutsche Post World Net Launch Hybrid Truck Trials in Europe
January 30, 2008
Deutsche Post World Net has launched a European trial of hybrid trucks from Daimler AG, and is the first logistics company in Europe to test hybrid trucks in its operations.
The trial, officially launched with the handover of the first two vehicles—a Mercedes-Benz Atego BlueTec Hybrid and a Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid—will initially include DHL Express operations in the UK as well as mail transport in Germany. In the coming months further Daimler hybrid vehicles will be integrated into the DHL fleet.
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Fiat Adds New 1.6 Multijet 16v Diesel to Bravo Lineup
January 25, 2008
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| The Fiat Bravo 1.6 Multijet. |
Fiat has added a new 1.6 Multijet 16v turbodiesel engine to its Bravo compact model lineup. Introduced last year, the Bravo is performing well, with 90,000 vehicles sold in Europe during 2007. Fiat had targeted sales of 70,000.
The new 1.6-liter diesel is available in two power versions—105 bhp (77 kW) or 120 bhp (88 kW)—with a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. Compared to the older 1.9-liter Multijet 120 bhp model (chosen by 55% of Bravo buyers last year, according to Fiat), the 1.6 Multijet 120 bhp delivers almost 25% more torque (300 Nm at 1500 rpm) while reducing fuel consumption by 8%, measured on the NEDC cycle.
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European Commission Proposes Plans for “20 20 by 2020”: 20% Cut in GHG Emissions and 20% Use of Renewable Power by 2020
January 23, 2008
The European Commission (EC) has proposed a detailed set of plans to implement the vision put forward in 2007 of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared to 1990 levels and being ready to step up to 30% with an international agreement; and to produce 20% of power from renewable sources, all by 2020.
The package of proposed measures is the most far-reaching set of legislative proposals to be made by the EC for many years, José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the EC, said in his speech to the European Parliament today.
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Subaru’s First Boxer Diesel Passenger Cars: Legacy Sports Tourer and Outback
January 21, 2008
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| Boxer Diesel Outback 2.0 TD. |
Subarus’s first boxer diesel (earlier post) passenger cars—Legacy Sports Tourer and Outback—will go on sale in regions of Europe in February 2008.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed diesel engine develops 110 kW (148 hp) of power at 3,600 rpm and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque at 1,800 rpm, and is coupled with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system. The Boxer Diesel meets Euro 4 emission standards with oxidation catalytic converters, a particulate filter and exhaust gas recirculation.
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UK Environmental Audit Committee Calls for Moratorium on Biofuel Targets
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| Greenhouse gas emissions plotted against overall environmental impacts of 29 transport fuels, scaled relative to gasoline. Fuels in the shaded area are considered advantageous in both their overall environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions. Adapted by Scharlemann and Laurance from Zah et. al. Click to enlarge. |
In a report released today, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) of the UK House of Commons concludes that the UK government and the European Union should not have pursued targets to increase the use of biofuels in the absence of robust sustainability standards and mechanisms to prevent damaging land use change. The EAC calls for a moratorium on biofuel targets in the UK and in Europe.
The EAC report—Are biofuels sustainable?—also concludes that biofuels are generally an expensive and ineffective way to cut greenhouse gas emissions when compared to other policies. Emissions from road transport can be cut cost-effectively, and with lower environmental risk, by implementing a range of other policies, the report concludes.
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Norway Advances Date for Going Carbon-Neutral By 20 Years to 2030
January 20, 2008
Norway will accelerate its reductions of carbon dioxide emissions to be completely carbon neutral by 2030—20 years ahead of the original target. The climate policy underlying this is the result of an agreement between the government of Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and the three large opposition parties.
The government will use a combination of domestic funding to develop renewable energy sources and carbon capture and storage technology; strengthen public transport; and implement measures to reduce emissions from the transport sector. At the same time, taxes on diesel fuel and gasoline will be increased. The plan also relies on large annual purchases (approaching US$550 million) of carbon offsets through international emission trading systems.
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Milan Introduces Trial Low-Emissions Zone Charge
January 05, 2008
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| The EcoPass zone is bounded by 43 gates equipped with electronic cameras. Click to enlarge. |
The city of Milan, Italy has launched a one-year trial of EcoPass—a scheme of graduated emissions-based charges for entry into Milan’s Limited Traffic Zone (Zona a Traffico Limitato, ZTL).
The EcoPass charges of up to €10(US$14.70) per day are calculated based on the Euro emissions class of the vehicle, the fuel type, the presence of approved filters, and the type of transport (personal or goods).
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Survey: Europeans Interested in Better Fuel Economy, But Not in Paying for It
December 21, 2007
According to a new Harris Interactive AutoTECHCAST study of adults in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany and Spain, more than one-third (35%) are very or extremely likely to include enhanced fuel economy technologies on their next vehicle. Nearly one-third of all vehicle segment owners expressed the same sentiment, with SUV/4x4 owners expressing the highest initial consideration at 44%.
However, despite the high initial consideration, enhanced fuel economy experienced the highest drop in post-market price consideration in the study. Once respondents were made aware of the £650/€950 price tag, consideration dropped 24 percentage points to 11%.
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European Commission Proposes Legislation Limiting CO2 Emissions From Cars; Fines for Missing the Target
December 19, 2007
The European Commission today proposed legislation that would begin implementing an integrated approach to reducing the average CO2 emissions of new passenger cars to 120 grams per kilometer by 2012. The current average is around 160 g/km.
Under the proposal, vehicles will need to reduce average emissions to 130 g/km by 2012. The remaining 10 g/km will come from complementary measures including efficiency improvements for car components with the highest impact on fuel consumption, such as tires and air conditioning systems. The Commission intends to come forward at a later date with proposals for efficiency requirements for such components and the carbon content of road fuels, notably through a greater use of biofuels.
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Saab and Volvo to Partner on PHEV Pilot Program in Sweden
December 13, 2007
By Jonas Lagneryd and Jack Rosebro
Miljörapporten of Stockholm is reporting that Saab and Volvo intend to collaborate on a pilot project around plug-in hybrid vehicles. The two car manufacturers will test ten Volvo PHEVs on Sweden’s public roads next year.
“We will test somewhat larger Volvo plug-in hybrids” than the Volvo C30 ReCharge PHEV concept that had been shown at Frankfurt earlier this year, said Klas Niste at Volvo Personvagnar. (Earlier post.)
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France to Institute Vehicle Feebate Based on CO2 Emissions; $7,300 Bonus for Electric Cars
December 07, 2007
France’s Ministry of Ecology (Ministère de l’écologie, du développement et de l’aménagement durables) announced a new feebate system based on CO2 emissions for new vehicle purchases.
Under the scheme, a bonus will be paid to purchasers of new passenger cars emitting less than 130 g CO2/km, which now represents about 30% of sales. The bonus will be supplemented by an extra payment when the acquisition of the vehicle is accompanied by the scrapping of a vehicle that is more than 15 years old. Conversely, buyers of new vehicles that emit more than 160 g CO2/km will pay a penalty. This will affect approximately 25% of new vehicles sold. Buyers of vehicles emitting between 130-160g CO2 will not receive a bonus nor will they pay a tax. This “neutral zone” will apply to about 45% of vehicle purchases.
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European Commission Proposes Strategic Plan to Accelerate Low-Carbon Energy Technologies; Transport Sector Focus on Biofuels and Hydrogen
November 24, 2007
The European Commission has proposed its Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan), a comprehensive plan to establish a new energy research agenda for Europe. The Commission believes that Europe should lower the costs of clean energy and put EU industry at the forefront of the rapidly growing low carbon-technology sector.
This Plan is to be accompanied by better use of and increases in resources, both financial and human, to accelerate the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies of the future, according to the EC.
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Concentrations of Air Pollutants In Europe Constant Since 1997 Despite Drop in Emissions
November 13, 2007
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| Percentage of the urban population in EEA32 potentially exposed to pollutant concentrations over selected limit/target values. Click to enlarge. |
Concentrations of ozone and particulate matter have not improved since 1997 despite substantial cuts in emissions of air pollutants across Europe, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report, Air Pollution in Europe, analyses air pollutant emissions and their possible health and ecosystem impacts in Europe between 1990–2004.
Man-made emissions of all air pollutants fell substantially in the 32 EEA member countries, mainly due to the effectiveness of EU policies limiting air pollution from the power/heat generation sector, industry and from road transport. However, measured concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and ozone have not generally shown any improvement since 1997.
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European Parliament Votes for 125g/km CO2 Limits for New Vehicles by 2015
October 24, 2007
The European Parliament adopted via a non-binding vote today a report calling for legislation to cap average emissions from all new passenger cars at 125g CO2/km by 2015. Current average new vehicle CO 2 emissions are approximately 160 g/km.
About 19% of EU CO2 emissions are produced by passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles. As a result of the automotive industry's failure to reduce emissions to specified targets under a voluntary commitment, the EU has been moving steadily toward binding legislation to mandate limits. The exact targets have been under much debate.
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European Commission Adopts €940M Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative
October 10, 2007
The European Commission (EC) has adopted a proposal for a Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative (JTI)—a public-private R&D partnership with industry in the lead. The EC will fund €470 million (US$664 million) from the FP7 program and private industry will fund at least an equivalent amount.
The EC’s intention with the JTI is to develop robust hydrogen supply and fuel cell technologies to the point of commercial take-off. For the automotive sector, the aim is to achieve breakthroughs in bottleneck technologies and to enable industry to make the large-scale commercialization decisions that are necessary to achieve mass market growth in the time-frame 2015-2020. For stationary fuel cells (domestic and commercial) and portable applications, the JTI will provide the technology base to initiate market growth from 2010-2015.
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Renault Trucks to Introduce Diesel Hybrid Concept Refuse Truck
September 27, 2007
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| The Renault Trucks Hybrys. |
Renault Trucks will introduce the Hybrys—a parallel diesel hybrid concept refuse collection truck—at the 29th Road Transport Show in Amsterdam in October.
The Renault Hybrys is a 6x2 vehicle with a DXi7, 235 kW (320 hp) diesel engine that develops 1,200 Nm of torque; an Optidriver Plus robotized gearbox; and an electric MDS (Motor Drive System) motor. The batteries are recharged primarily during slow-down phases and braking, or optionally by grid-charging.
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EESC Critical of First-Generation Biofuels; Conditionally Supports 10% EU Transport Biofuels Target
September 26, 2007
In its plenary session today and tomorrow, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will adopt a series of opinions related to biofuels, greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, and carbon capture.
In its draft opinion, the Committee takes a very critical stance on the European Commission’s biofuel progress report. Though generally supportive of the energy targets as fixed in the Spring Council on Energy, the EESC emphasizes the manifold problems that go along with broader introduction of first-generation biofuels: high production costs and storage problems for biodiesel; and high consumption of water and fertilizers, potentially causing soil destruction, for ethanol.
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Report: EU Car Emissions Can Meet the 2012 Target
September 25, 2007
Reducing the average CO2 emissions of new cars in the EU to 130g/km by 2012 is achievable, according to a new report by Dr. Paul Nieuwenhuis, Director of the Centre for Automotive Industry Research at Cardiff University. While European automakers, via the ACEA, support the theoretical feasibility of a 130 g/km goal (120 g/km factoring in non-vehicular mechanisms), they insist that a 2012 deadline is unrealistic. (Earlier post.)
The report—Car CO2 Reduction Feasibility Assessment; is 130 g/km possible?—maps out a strategy for compliance, but highlights that the trend towards heavier and higher performance vehicles at the luxury end of the market is a key stumbling block.
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CEOs of European Car Manufacturers Support 120 gCO2/km Target with Integrated Approach; Ask for Lead Time and Parameter-Based Regulations
September 15, 2007
At the Frankfurt Motor Show, the CEOs of the main European car manufacturers issued a joint statement expressing support for the EU’s target of 120 g CO2/km average emissions from new cars.
They reinforced their call on EU governments to take a cost-effective integrated approach towards cars and CO2, including improved car technology, infrastructure changes, a more efficient driving style, CO2-related taxation and the greater use of alternative and biofuels. They also emphasized the need for lead time following enactment of regulatory legislation.
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London School Plans Have Reduced Car Journeys by Almost 2 Million and Carbon Emissions by 1,150 Tonnes Per Year
September 11, 2007
New figures released by Transport for London (TfL) show school travel plans are having an impact on reducing the number of car journeys to and from school, with almost two million fewer car journeys made during the last year.
School travel plans encourage schools to seek practical solutions to reduce the number of cars dropping children off at school. Currently, 35% of school pupils in London travel to school by car, according to TfL. Schools with a travel plan in London have reduced the number of car journeys by an average 7% per school, or 1,200 fewer journeys per school per year.
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Reduction in European Average New Car CO2 Emissions 0.6% in 2006
September 06, 2007
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| Progress over time toward the goal. Click to enlarge. |
The average reduction in CO2 emissions from new cars sold in 24 countries in Europe (the EU25 minus Malta) in 2006 was 0.6% compared to the prior year, dropping from an average 161g/km to an average 160g/km, according to an analysis by the organization Transport and Environment (T&E).
At the same time, the average weight of cars sold in those countries rose 18 kg (1.3%) from 1,356 kg in 2005 to 1,374 kg in 2006.
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EDF and Toyota Announce European Technology Partnership for Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles
September 05, 2007
EDF (Électricité de France) and Toyota announced their new technology partnership to evaluate Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) in Europe. (Earlier post.) The objective of the partnership is to develop practical solutions for the commercialization of Toyota’s prototype technology.
Under the joint agreement, a small number of Toyota PHEVs will be integrated into EDF’s fleet and will be tested on public roads in France under every-day driving conditions. Road trials of the PHEVs will commence in France in the autumn and may be expanded to other European countries in the future.
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Study: Proposed EU Aviation Carbon Pricing Schemes “Wholly Inadequate”
September 04, 2007
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| 450ppmv cumulative carbon dioxide emission profiles for the EU25 and three aviation emissions scenarios leading up to 2012—the current planned date for the including aviation in the ETS. Click to enlarge. |
Current proposals to include aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will have very little impact on reducing aviation’s contribution to climate change in a 450ppmv CO2 pathway designed to keep warming at or below a 2°C threshold, according to a new report by the Tyndall Centre in the UK.
The new report—Aviation in a Low-Carbon EU—investigates to what extent EU proposals to include aviation in its Emissions Trading Scheme would help deliver a low-carbon EU future. The EU plans to include aviation in the EU ETS from 2011 for intra-EU flights, with all flights departing from or arriving in the EU included from 2012.