A new report has concluded that 40% of emissions could be cut by reducing vehicle mass.

How less heavy vehicles can help cut CO2 emissions report

The report, issued by International Transport Forum (ITF) researchers and funded by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), found that average vehicle mass has increased by 40% compared to 1990 levels.

Additional vehicle mass consumes requires more energy to move than lighter vehicles and consequently produces greater emissions. A reduction in vehicle mass, therefore, would contribute greatly to achieving emission reduction goals, the report said.

Simply by reducing the average mass from c.1,400kg to c.1,000kg for passenger cars and from c.1,800kg to c.1,100kg for light commercial vehicles, emissions could be reduced by up to 40% – nearly twice the reduction of CO2 forecast without reducing vehicular mass.

The study also concluded that the advantages to a lighter car go far beyond that of emissions alone, offering drivers improved fuel economy and better handling.

However, in order for the European Union’s target of a 60% reduction in transport CO2 emissions by 2050, further changes will still be required as well as a reduction in weight. For example, reducing weight to the average in the mid-1970’s would approximately halve the gap.

The report’s main recommendations include:

• Consider the potential of vehicle mass reduction when designing climate policies.
• Do not rely on vehicle mass reductions alone to achieve the European Union’s target of a 60% reduction of transport CO2 emissions.
• Nudge consumers into buying lighter vehicles by emphasising their benefits.

To view the report, click here.