Average new car CO2 emissions dropped by 5.6 per cent in the last year, providing relief for motorists as driving costs spiral.
Vehicle Exercise Duty – or road tax – is calculated by using the official CO2 emissions from a new car. Any car with emissions less than 100g/km of CO2 is exempt from the road tax, while all electric and hybrid vehicles are also exempt from London’s congestion charge.
However, according to the latest figures from DrivenData, average new car emissions are well above that level at 171g/km of CO2 compared to 181g/km last year.
The improvement is the biggest drop in average CO2 emissions in five years and highlights the wide range of new, lower CO2 models released by manufacturers.
More efficient diesel and petrol technology has been a target for manufacturers over the last 12 months, with many now using their own eco-signature to identify ‘greener’ cars in their range.
Models such as the Alfa Romeo MiTo MultiAir II and Ford’s range of EcoBoost petrol engines have helped to lower average emissions across the industry.
The target for manufacturers is to bring average emissions down to 130g/km by 2012 to fall in line with new European emissions legislation. At the moment, Fiat is one of the only manufacturers to boast sub-130g/km emissions thanks to the frugal and clean Fiat 500 range.
However, Renault, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot and Citroen are all close to reducing average emissions to less than 130g/km.
DrivenData has warned more work needs to be done as with the current rate of improvement, average new car emissions could be as high as 20g/km above the 2012 target.
It has urged the government to support plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles to accelerate the decrease in emissions in the next year and a half.
Daniel Sta from DrivenData said: “Car makers will be encouraged to see that they have collectively reduced average emissions at a faster rate this year.
“Much will depend on the emergence of plug-in hybrids and EVs (electric vehicles), which means the government needs to commit wholeheartedly to funding an alternative fuel recharging network in the UK."