Are SUVs the Real Culprits Behind Rising Emissions?

Maybe people back into city cars and hatchbacks – and they don’t have to be electric!

Maybe we should stop targeting the internal combustion engine (ICE) and focus on SUVs instead. SUVs account for 48% of global car sales but emit 20% more CO2 than average cars. The move should be back towards smaller cars with lighter carbon footprints.

The Shocking Stats

Here’s some eye-popping stats from the International Energy Agency (IEA). Did you know that SUVs now account for a staggering 48% of global car sales? That’s nearly half of all the cars sold! But here’s the kicker – these gas-guzzling giants emit 20% more CO2 than the average car. SUVs are the heavyweight champions of pumping CO2 into the atmosphere.

So why then are ALL regular Internal Combustion Engine petrol and diesel cars (small, medium hatchbacks and saloons included) being targeted for eradication in favour of EVs, themselves usually ginormous and heavy SUVs?

“Why are ALL regular Internal Combustion Engine petrol and diesel cars being targeted for eradication in favour of EVs, themselves usually ginormous and heavy SUVs?”

Why Do We Love SUVs?

Honestly I love them too. SUVs and Pickup trucks, frankly they rock – literally and figuratively. We’ve had them in the family. The wife wants another one. The appeal is strong!

SUVs have a certain allure. They’re big, they exude presence, and they make you feel like the king (or queen) of the road. Families love them for the space, and let’s face it, they do have a certain status symbol appeal.

“The IEA report reveals that SUVs were responsible for over 20% of the growth in global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2023.”

The Environmental Impact

However, the IEA report reveals that SUVs were responsible for over 20% of the growth in global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2023. Imagine that! These vehicles are not just heavy on the road; they’re heavy on the planet too. If SUVs were a country, they would be the fifth-largest emitter of CO2 in the world. Let that sink in.

“If SUVs were a country, they would be the fifth-largest emitter of CO2 in the world.”

Electric SUVs: The Double-Edged Sword

You might be thinking, “But aren’t electric vehicles (EVs) the answer?” Well, here’s the twist. Most new EVs are also SUVs. Yes, they might be electric, but they still require massive batteries, which means more resources, more weight, and yes, a bigger carbon footprint. So, while they might reduce emissions per mile, the production process is far from green.

“Most new EVs are also SUVs, requiring massive batteries, which means more resources, more weight, and yes, a bigger carbon footprint.”

A Call for Change

So, what’s the solution? Should we all just ditch our cars and start walking? Not quite. But maybe it’s time we reconsidered our choices. Instead of jumping straight to electric SUVs, how about we return to smaller, lighter, more city-centric cars? Hatchbacks, saloons, and estates – remember them? They’re not just nostalgic; they could be a key part of a sustainable future.

“It’s easy to understand why SUVs are popular, but as we move towards a more sustainable future, we need to question whether bigger is always better.”

The Future of Transport

It’s easy to understand why SUVs are popular. They offer comfort, space, and a sense of safety. But as we move towards a more sustainable future, we need to question whether bigger is always better. The almost recklessly rapid transition to electric might not be the silver bullet we hoped for, if we’re still opting for oversized vehicles.

In cities like London, where the roads are already congested, smaller cars could make a big difference. They take up less space, use less fuel, and are generally more efficient. Plus, modern petrol engines are becoming more efficient, offering a greener alternative without the hefty carbon footprint of massive battery production.

So, next time you’re in the market for a new car, think twice before going for that shiny new SUV. Frankly you could end up with a cooler car!

“Instead of jumping straight to electric SUVs, how about we return to smaller, lighter, more city-centric cars?”

Source – https://www.iea.org/commentaries/suvs-are-setting-new-sales-records-each-year-and-so-are-their-emissions

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