SUVs Emitting More Pollution Than Old Cars

author: FutureCar Staff    

A study conducted by climate charity Possible has found that new SUVs purchased in 2023 release more harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilometer than conventional engine cars bought in 2013. This surge in popularity of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) is reversing the progress made in reducing carbon pollution from new cars.

The report highlights the increasing popularity of SUVs in the UK, especially in urban areas, which has led to a rise in emissions from fossil-fueled cars. This trend is contributing to the worsening climate crisis.

Contrary to popular belief, the research also challenges the assumption that low-income motorists drive more polluting vehicles. It reveals that the wealthiest households are actually 81% more likely to own super-heavy emitting cars compared to other income groups.

Interestingly, while the rich can afford electric vehicles, they are increasingly choosing high-emission SUVs. In fact, around three-quarters of new SUVs and two-thirds of all large SUVs registered in the UK are found in urban addresses, particularly in affluent neighborhoods like Kensington and Chelsea.

The surge in SUV popularity is not accidental. Industry-wide marketing campaigns have successfully influenced consumers to opt for these larger, more powerful vehicles, leading to a dominance of SUVs in the new car market over smaller, more eco-friendly models.

Despite recent increases in electric vehicle sales, SUVs remain a significant environmental concern, claiming over 40% of the market share in the UK. According to a report by the UK Energy Research Centre, for every electric vehicle sold in the UK by 2019, 37 new SUVs hit the roads.

Leo Murray, co-director of climate charity Possible, expressed concern about the direction in which carbon emissions from new fossil-fueled cars are heading. He emphasized the need for emissions to be falling faster than ever, but expensive SUVs are hindering progress made on transport emissions in the last decade.

The rising carbon emissions from SUVs are not limited to the UK but are a global issue. Sports utility vehicles accounted for nearly half of all cars sold worldwide last year, with significant growth in the US, India, and Europe. They release more planet-heating pollution than most countries, according to the International Energy Agency.

Possible is urging for a shift in policies to address this issue. They propose applying taxes for vehicle emissions based on size, implementing carbon emissions-based parking and road user charges targeting the heaviest emitters, and putting an end to advertising the most polluting SUVs. Additionally, they advocate for policies that make SUV owners financially responsible for the environmental impact of their vehicles.

This approach would increase the operating costs of high-emission vehicles, especially SUVs, and provide an incentive for consumers to choose greener alternatives. The revenue generated from these charges could be used to support public transportation services, benefiting lower-income households who rely on these services.

Possible emphasizes the negative consequences of large and powerful SUVs on crowded city streets. These vehicles are often too big to fit into standard parking spaces, and they are more likely to cause fatal collisions, especially involving pedestrians, particularly children. SUVs also produce more toxic particulates from tire wear and cause greater damage to the road surface compared to conventional cars.

Mr. Murray argues that none of these costs to society are covered by the purchase price or running costs of large SUVs. Hence, authorities need to introduce new policies to address these issues and make SUV mega polluters pay more. This would encourage people in cities to opt for greener ways of getting around.

The report suggests that the revenue generated from these charges could be used to support public transportation services, benefiting lower-income households who rely on these services.

FutureCar Staff