The EU has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. To achieve this goal, the EU has implemented a number of measures to reduce emissions from cars and other vehicles, including:
- Stricter emissions limits for new vehicles. The EU has set emissions limits for new cars and vans that are more stringent than those in the United States. For example, the EU's limit for carbon dioxide emissions from new cars is 95 grams per kilometer (g/km), while the US limit is 130 g/km.
- A requirement for automakers to sell a certain percentage of zero-emission vehicles. The EU requires automakers to sell a certain percentage of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), such as electric cars, in the EU market. This requirement is increasing gradually, and by 2035, all new cars sold in the EU will have to be ZEVs.
- Incentives for consumers to purchase ZEVs. The EU offers a number of incentives for consumers to purchase ZEVs, such as tax breaks and subsidies. These incentives make ZEVs more affordable for consumers and help to increase the demand for these vehicles.
As a result of these measures, the EU has been able to reduce auto emissions significantly in recent years. In 2021, the average carbon dioxide emissions from new cars sold in the EU was 122.4 g/km, down from 158.5 g/km in 2010. This reduction has helped to improve air quality and reduce the EU's contribution to climate change.
In contrast, the United States has less stringent auto emissions standards. The US has not set a target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the emissions limits for new vehicles are less strict than in the EU. As a result, the United States has a higher average carbon dioxide emissions from new cars than the EU.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between EU and US auto emissions standards:
| Feature | EU | US |
|---|---|---|
| Emissions limits | More stringent | Less stringent |
| ZEV requirement | Yes | No |
| Incentives for ZEVs | Yes | Some |
| Average carbon dioxide emissions from new cars | 122.4 g/km (2021) | 149.6 g/km (2021) |
