EU Will Have Problems Cutting Emissions Beyond 70g/km

A UK study done by consultancy firm Ricardo-AEA found that cutting automotive emissions beyond 70g/km of CO2 given current technology by 2025 is not financially feasible. The EU will have to increase the number of electric and hybrid cars to cut emissions significantly. Environmental activists want emissions to fall to 60g/km of CO2 by that time. 

The study found that the lowest emissions can get given current technology by 2025 is 70g/km of CO2. It would also require a 50-50 split between hybrids and internal combustion engines. To reach these levels prices would increase on average €1,615 ($2,200). However, it predicts that the price would be paid back in fuel savings within three years. 

The same 70g/km of CO2 average could also be met if auto sales were split among 7% electric cars, 22% hybrids and 71% internal combustion engines.

To get to the 60g/km of CO2 level, it would take 24% of auto sales being pure electric cars.

As of 2010, hybrid cars were 1% of EU auto sales, and electric cars were 0.1% of the market. A recent report from the US shows that the market share for all alternative fuel cars in the US is 3.3%. 

Given these data, the EU may be rapidly approaching a CO2 emissions wall that cannot be overcome with current technology. It might take a breakthrough in batteries or fuel cells for a further significant drop in emissions. 

Source: Automotive News Europe