Fuel Consumption and CO2

This page was last updated on 7th January 2021

Climate Change is recognised as one of the greatest environmental threats facing the World today and it has long been appreciated by governments that reducing the impact of the motor vehicle has an important part to play in addressing this threat.

We have developed databases listing most of the cars and new vans available for sale in the UK.

Use the links below for more information on using our databases, and the other related services to industry that we offer.

Fuel Consumption Labelling

Responsibilities of Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers and Dealers.

Cars and Fuel options

This guide contains data on vehicles running on petrol and diesel, as well as alternative fuels, such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and hybrid and electric vehicles.

Tyre Labelling

Since November 2012, the EU Tyre Labelling regulation has required tyre manufacturers and tyre distributors to display a consumer information label on all C1, C2 and C3 tyres.

Car fuel data, CO2 and vehicle tax tools Disclaimer

Information is provided by manufacturers on a voluntary basis and subject to checks before being published on the New Car Fuel Consumption and Emissions database.

Cars and Emissions

In the UK, road transport is now the largest source of CO2 emissions.

Air Quality

Emissions of the main air pollutants are regulated by the EU Euro emissions standards, under the vehicle ‘type approval’ process.

How to use the data

Learn more on how we measure, collate and present the data.

Zero and Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ZEVs/ULEVs)

ULEVs are currently defined as having less than 75 grams of CO2 per kilometre (g/km) from the tail pipe.

Accessibility statement for the VCA New Car Fuel Consumption Website

VCA is committed and is actively working to ensure that the tools on this site are usable and accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of disability, capability or technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who does the testing? A: Testing is carried out either by independent test organisations, or by the vehicle manufacturers or importers themselves, usually at their own test facilities.   In the UK, and before the results are officially recognised, the…

Cars and Noise

The external noise emitted by passenger cars has been controlled since 1929 when the Motor Cars (Excessive Noise) regulations were introduced.

Fuel efficient driving tips

Fuel efficient driving or ecodriving is about adopting driving techniques that maximise modern engines’ efficiency. Using less fuel/energy when driving also means that carbon emissions and air pollutants from vehicles are reduced and for electric vehicles it can increase the…

Fuel cost

The fuel cost of driving 10,000 miles is calculated using the combined fuel consumption figure and the respective average fuel figures. The fuel figures used are those published by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and appear on…

General points

The information provided by VCA is only a guide. When determining tax on first registration, it is the CO2 figure shown on the registration certificate (V5C) that will determine the amount of tax payable; A new car is one that…

Annex

ZEV mandate The Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes Order 2023 (Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate) is a world leading legislative framework, designed with vehicle manufacturers to support the UK’s transition to a fleet of zero emission new cars and vans. In…

Responsibilities of vehicle manufacturers, importers and dealers

EU Directive 1999/94/EC requires new car fuel consumption and CO2 emissions data to be made freely available to consumers. Car dealers are required to display a label on (or near to) every new car displayed for sale. The label shows…

New Car Fuel Consumption & Emission Figures – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who does the testing? A: Testing is carried out either by independent test organisations, or by the vehicle manufacturers or importers themselves, usually at their own test facilities.   In the UK, and before the results are officially recognised, the…

Useful links

Note that to follow any of the links shown below, an internet connection is required. Content will open in an Internet browser window.  The Vehicle Certification Agency is not responsible for the contents or reliability of the linked web sites…