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Real-World Fuel Efficiency Gap Widens in Europe
The average car sold in Europe last year consumes a “staggering” 42% more fuel in real-world driving than in regulatory tests, declares the European Federation for Transport & Environment.
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The average car sold in Europe last year consumes a “staggering” 42% more fuel in real-world driving than in regulatory tests, declares the European Federation for Transport & Environment.
T&E says the difference was 28% in 2012. The environmental group, whose results are based on an analysis of 16 brands, reports the spread between official and actual fuel economy is greatest for Mercedes-Benz (54%), Audi (49%) and Smart (49%).
Carmakers insist they are complying with test methods. But T&E complains that companies are growing more adept at “manipulating the undemanding and poorly prescribed emissions tests.”
The group notes that the overly optimistic fuel efficiency ratings hide carbon dioxide emission levels that are far higher on the road than the laboratory-based ratings suggest. T&E supports tighter test procedures that include an on-the-road component.
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