Just as new diesel technology is set to gain traction in the US, our European counterparts who have been paving the way with diesels for decades already, have just passed new legislation calling for stricter tailpipe NO2 limits, in essence requiring particulate filters on all new model vehicles beginning in 2009. The filters do reduce airborne particulates/soot to be sure, by up to 80% by some estimates, and at first glance seem like a logical pawn in emission's chess. The proposed limits however, will likely come with their fair share of controversy.
The European Automobile Manufacturers Association is quick to say that requiring particulate filters on all new vehicles will raise the average cost of a new car by up to 900 Euros, which may be enough to drive people to petrol cars. The same gasoline-powered cars that actually emit more CO2 pollutants than the diesels. No one ever said be environmentally friendly was easy.
In addition to this potential backfire of Euro policy, the new regulations also provide a loop hole so big that you could drive an SUV through it, which is exactly what people will do according to Environmental group Transport & Environment as SUVs are given the same exemption from regulations as ambulances. Thus, providing makers of SUVs a three-year head start or lag really in complying with the new rules.
The sad irony is that in the US where we have all the rules and regulations, not mention new low-sulfur diesel, people are clueless to the advantages of the fuel and the vehicles that burn it. Yet, in the EU where diesels are everywhere, the very legislation calling for clean diesel technology is likely to down shift people into the more expensive (through gasoline prices) petrol cars and SUVs, which will actually pollute more.
So is this is case of putting the cart before the donkey? or just the SUV in front of the sedan?
To read about the new EU emissions legislation, click here.
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