Norway study tests 'real traffic' CO2 and air polluting emissions

The Norwegian Centre for Transport Research has published new research based on 'real traffic' tests of 12 HGVs and seven Euro 6 diesel cars which found that the cars produced between 4 and 20 times the level of NOx in city traffic and during cold weather than the Euro 6 type approval limit values. The tests also found that the cars exceeded NEDC type approval average emissions of CO2 by 60% or more in congested traffic.

 

The emission tests were conducted by the Institute of Transport Economics at the Norwegian Centre for Transport Research (TØI) in in collaboration with VTT in Finland. 

 

EURO 6 emission standards where introduced for cars from 2015 and similar EURO VI requirements for heavy vehicles. These requirements include NOx and particulate matter from new cars.

 

Since 2011, TØI and VTT conducted emission measurements on 12 heavy vehicles with Euro VI engines, and seven Euro 6 diesel cars. In addition, several petrol vehicles (Euro 5 and 6) and diesel vehicles (Euro 5) were measured. All vehicles were tested in laboratory under conditions that as far as possible should correspond to the actual use of the vehicles.

This data on CO2 will come as no surprise for consumers as driving in congested urban environments is understood to be much less efficient than steady speeds. However it does highlight that when the new test cycle is adopted, we must make sure that the split between different driving conditions is made transparent to consumers, to help them choose the best vehicle.  The LowCVP is working with a wide range of stakeholders to develop concepts for the next consumer label and aims to ensure the best outcome for consumers and operators.