The Consumer and User Organization (OCU) called on the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) to make changes to the transportation system before the end of the year. labels environmental for vehicles Give priority to vehicles with less polluting emissions, Given the establishment of Low Emission Zones (ZBE) in 149 municipalities across Spain during this year.
For the consumer organization this Continuing to prioritize vehicle engine technology over actual emissions is a “mistake” and thinks the current labeling system is “outdated.”
According to that, The current system is “unfair” It will make it difficult to enter new low-emission zones for consumers who cannot buy electric cars due to their higher cost than others.
Likewise, it calls on administrations to build park-and-ride parking spaces within the borders of the ZBE that are free and well-connected to the center by public transport; an extensive network of protected and interconnected cycle paths; intermodality between different means of transport, as well as pedestrianization of historical and commercial areas.
Hybrids are not very ecological
The business has produced a report concluding that best-selling internal combustion engine cars have similar or even lower emissions levels throughout their life cycles. Most ‘light hybrids’ and larger and stronger hybrids.
Given that the ZBE will come into force in 149 municipalities on January 1, 2024, the organization asks the DGT to change the labeling system to give priority to those that actually emit fewer pollutants, since bestsellers with an internal combustion engine and C label are created. Less emissions than “most ‘Mild Hybrid’ vehicles and some larger and more powerful hybrids” Eco or Zero emission labels, labels that facilitate access and parking at ZBEs.
The study analyzed a vehicle’s lifecycle emissions from production, use, maintenance and recycling, 16 years after it had driven 240,000 kilometres.
For example, the best-selling diesel-powered car in Spain in the first half of 2023 was the Audi Q3 (Label C), emitting 48.9 tonnes of CO2 in the 35 TDI version; Jeep Wrangler 4xe 280 kW plug-in hybrid (Zero Label), which adds 54.8 tonnes of CO2; and the Audi RS Q8 Mild hybrid (Eco Label), which reaches 106.8 tonnes of CO2.
Therefore OCU provides: The only engines that guarantee lower emissions are 100% electric vehicles. For the rest, he thinks the emissions measured in their approvals should be treated as easily comparable public data for plug-in hybrids as well.