The Transport & Environment association believes that the CO2 pollution emissions produced by car manufacturers are largely underestimated, thanks to fuzzy calculation methods.
The environmental NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) accuses! The organization points the finger at car manufacturers. The CO2 emissions produced by these would be greatly underestimated. This thanks to fuzzy calculation modes, on the subject.
According to a report unveiled on Wednesday, the NGO estimates that actual CO2 emissions would be at least 50% higher than those presented officially. To measure their emissions, most manufacturers use the WTLP test. A globally harmonized test procedure for light vehicles. The latter makes it possible to measure fuel consumption, electric range and CO2 emissions and other pollutants.
The test is carried out in the laboratory, far from roads and real conditions, points out the association. Manufacturers estimate that each vehicle sold represents 45.2 tons of CO2. Except that according to the organ, the true number would be 68.2 tons, on average. This according to a method of calculation according to real use. The lifespan of the vehicles is also different, at several hundred thousand kilometres.
Stellantis, Kia, Hyundai or BMW singled out for their CO2 emissions
Among the manufacturers or groups with the most divergent results are StellarHyundai, Kia or BMW. Renault-NissanHonda or even Ford would have, for each euro invested, emissions higher than the average of the oil companies Exxon, Shell, or even BP.
All this could undermine the scores of these companies, in terms of environmental, social and governance accounting standards. This at a time when large European companies will have to publish, from 2024, their scope 3. A document totaling greenhouse gas emissions upstream and downstream of production.
car manufacturers are among the most exposed to this document. 98% of their emissions are indirect, because related to the fuel used to run the vehicle. Reason why the NGO asks that this scope 3 be better framed and taken into account in the ESG ratings.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Europe further tightens CO2 emission standards
What CO2 emissions for cars in Europe in 2021?
ZFE: will CO2 emissions soon be taken into account?