The Consumer and User Organization (OCU) urged the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) to implement changes to the transportation system before year’s end. Environmental labels for vehicles should prioritize lower-emission options, especially as Low Emission Zones (ZBE) have been established in 149 municipalities across Spain this year.
For the consumer group, continuing to favor engine technology over real-world emissions is a misstep, and the current labeling system is considered outdated.
They argue that the present framework is unfair. It could hinder entry into new low-emission zones for people who cannot afford electric cars due to their higher purchase cost.
They also call on administrations to create park-and-ride facilities within ZBE borders that are free and well connected to city centers by public transport; to expand a network of protected, interconnected bike lanes; to promote intermodality among different transport modes; and to pedestrianize historic and commercial districts.
Hybrids are not very ecological
The organization notes a recent report showing that best-selling internal combustion engine cars may emit similar or even lower lifecycle emissions compared with some hybrid models, especially smaller hybrids.
With the ZBE taking effect in 149 municipalities on January 1, 2024, the DGT is urged to adjust the labeling scheme to reward vehicles with genuinely lower pollution impacts. In particular, best-selling gasoline and diesel models with a C label are identified as producing fewer emissions than many mild hybrids and some larger or more powerful hybrids, which blur the emissions picture under Eco or Zero emission labels that ease access and parking within ZBEs.
The assessment considered a vehicle’s lifecycle emissions from production, use, maintenance and recycling, evaluating them 16 years after a vehicle had covered 240,000 kilometres.
Examples from the market show the complexity of emissions data. In the first half of 2023, the top-selling diesel in Spain was the Audi Q3 (C label), emitting 48.9 tonnes of CO2 in the 35 TDI variant. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid (Zero Label) contributed 54.8 tonnes, while the Audi RS Q8 Mild Hybrid (Eco Label) reached 106.8 tonnes.
OCU argues that only 100% electric vehicles guarantee the lowest emissions over the entire lifecycle. For other propulsion types, the organization suggests presenting standardized, comparable data for plug-in hybrids as well, so consumers can better assess real-world environmental impact. (OCU)