Emissions improvement through fuel quality

The introduction of the compulsory fitting of catalytic converters has resulted in a dramatic improvement in emissions produced by cars. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) estimate that less than 10% toxic gases are produced by cars fitted with catalytic converters in comparison with pre-1993 cars.

Some areas of design related improvements to CO₂ emissions are sometimes offset by improvements in other areas of vehicle performance, such as safety, noise and emissions legislation and by customer demand for additional features as standard, such as air conditioning and power assisted steering.

Although these voluntary measures require additional investments in technology by the manufacturers (e.g. improved combustion engines, new means of propulsion etc.), these costs are justified on the grounds of protection of human health and the environment.

In order to achieve its objectives with regards the limitation of CO₂ emissions, the Commission is proposing monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars registered in a given calendar year as well as information on the manufacturer, fuel type, mass, engine power and engine capacity.

In addition, the Council has reached a political agreement that will make it mandatory for the consumer to be supplied with information concerning fuel consumption and the CO₂ emissions of new cars. The customer can then use the comparable information from different manufacturers and vehicles before making a purchase decision. The aim of this is to influence consumer choice in favour of more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly cars. The following sources of information would have to be made available to customers:

Emissions improvement through fuel quality

Continuing reductions in new car emissions reaching 95% have already been achieved by the motor industry. In order to achieve significant further reductions, enhanced fuel quality will be necessary and/or the commercial acceptance of alternative power sources (e.g. electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells etc.).

Cleaner fuel is an essential factor in improving ambient air quality, by reducing the level of particulates produced, and improving the performance of catalytic converters. Some engine developments aimed at improving air quality cannot be introduced unless there are significant improvements in the quality of fuel.

European Commission Directive 98/70/EC tackles the issue of quality of petrol and diesel fuel and sets a time limit (2005) for the introduction of higher quality diesel and petrol including a banning of leaded petrol throughout Member States. The Directive is an outcome of the “Auto/Oil Programme” which was a joint programme initiated in 1992 between the European Commission, ACEA and EUROPIA (European oil industry). The objective of the programme is to reduce vehicle emissions and attain air quality targets through cost-effective measures which include vehicle technology, fuel quality, improved durability and other non-technical means.

Whilst both engine development and fuel quality make an important contribution to air quality, only the latter has the potential of providing an across the board effect to the entire car parc. In collaboration with government, the UK Motor Industry has undertaken an extensive programme of research into the emission of particulates from petrol and diesel engines.