New Car Fuel Consumption & Emission Figures
This page was last updated on 27th November 2023- New Car Fuel Consumption & Emission Figures Overview
- Cars and Emissions
- Cars and Noise
- Zero and Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs)
- Tyre Labelling
- Air Quality
- Fuel efficient driving tips
- Cars and Fuel options
- How to use the data
- Responsibilities of vehicle manufacturers, importers and dealers
- New Car Fuel Consumption & Emission Figures - Frequently Asked Questions
- Useful links
- General points
- Fuel cost
- Annex
Air Quality
Emissions of the main air pollutants are regulated by the EU Euro emissions standards, under the vehicle ‘type approval’ process. The Euro emission standards have progressively reduced pollutant emissions. It is an offence under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Regulation 61a(3)) to use a vehicle which has been modified (tampered) in such a way that it no longer complies with the air pollutant emissions standards it was designed to meet. The potential penalties include a maximum fine of £1,000 for a car. The Euro 6 emission standard was introduced for most new registrations in September 2015.
CO, NOx, and gaseous un-burnt HCs are not visible in the environment. Similarly, a modern car should emit no visible particulate matter (smoke/soot) unless the vehicle is defective for example burning excessive engine oil or having a faulty particulate filter. This could be an offence and could also result in the vehicle failing its MOT. Emission of air pollutants, are not solely dependent on fuel consumption. Other factors, such as driving style, driving conditions and ambient temperature also affect them.
Pure electric vehicles produce no exhaust pollutant emissions. Where a pure electric or ULEV is not a practical or affordable option, those choosing to buy a new vehicle should consider one that meets the Euro 6d emission standard. These meet the second step of the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) requirements so that on-road performance is closer to the results achieved in the laboratory. Since the 1 January 2021, all new vehicles registered have to meet Euro 6d standard.
The fuel efficient driving tips below can also help reduce air pollution emissions.
All new cars (irrespective of technology or fuel) meet the minimum standards for charging under the Clean Air Zone framework where these are introduced for cars (for example Birmingham and Bristol), and will not be charged for access.
