Green NCAP has released a new report into the environmental friendliness of different electric and hybrid cars.

The results of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) looks chiefly at greenhouse gas emissions and primary energy demand of the cars. Tested in 2022, 34 cars with different powertrain types were assessed: battery electric, hybrid electric, conventional petrol and diesel, and one vehicle, the Ford Puma, that runs on alternative fuel.

Life limiting

LCA calculations use the interactive Life Cycle Assessment tool that is available for consumers on Green NCAP’s website. The calculations are made based on the average energy mix of the 27 EU Member States and the UK. It then calculated the vehicles for an average mileage of 240,000 km over 16 years.

Results show that the current and continuous trend towards larger and heavier cars is significantly increasing the negative impact on climate and energy demand. This drives not only a rise in fuel and electric energy consumption, but also creates a wider footprint in vehicle and battery production. Ongoing marketing of and  interest in larger cars, particularly SUVs, is singled out as the issue.

Gaseous maximus

The research looks at the total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and primary energy demand (PED) created throughout the entire life cycle of a vehicle.

Battery electric vehicles are ahead in reducing greenhouse gases with an average 40‑50% less emissions compared to conventional petrol cars.

The hybrid electric sport utility vehicles (SUVs) that were tested, have higher fuel consumption and emissions.

Results of the bio-ethanol (E85) operated Ford Puma, as compared to the same car in petrol mode, shows greenhouse gas emissions reduced to a level closer to the range of battery electric cars. This includes the processes needed to create bio-ethanol, with 60% of the total energy needed being renewable.

Bigger not better

Each car’s impact on the environment reveals the significant influence of mass on greenhouse gas emissions and primary energy demand. This is clearly seen for all powertrain types even with aerodynamic drag or powertrain efficiency included.

The overlying message is clear – the heavier the vehicle, the more harm it does to the environment and the extra energy required to drive the car. I

n general, battery electric vehicles emit significantly less greenhouse gases over their lifetime, but some of the gains are lost due to their increased weight.

Electric vehicles and electrification in general offers huge potential in reducing greenhouse gases. However, heavier vehicles diminish these benefits .

Weighing into the debate

Green NCAP calls is calling on manufacturers to reduce the mass of their products. It also calls on consumers to make purchasing decisions that not only consider the powertrain of their new cars, but also consider their weight.

Studies show that all three powertrain types (electric BEV, non-rechargeable hybrid HEV and conventional ICEV), when their mass increases, have the same relative rise in energy consumption of about 2% per 100 kg.

Over the last ten years, the average weight of vehicles sold has increased by about 9% or around 100 kg.

Sales of small SUVs have increased five times, becoming the most sold vehicles in 2022 with about four million cars sold across Europe.

Large SUV sales have further increased seven times leading to a total sales number of roughly 700,000 cars.

Assuming eight million vehicles are on average 100 kg heavier, the impact of this weight increase on the climate is the equivalent of about 200,000 extra cars on European roads.