Old tech may be the way forward - says consultant

It is received wisdom that new technology is the way forward for reducing emissions, but pressure group Transport & Environment (T&E) have been arguing that returning to the performance offered by old vans is actually the best strategy.

Research undertaken for it by Dutch consultants TNO and CE Delft argued that by returning to 1997 van engine power levels, fuel costs and CO2 emissions could be cut by up to 16%; vehicle purchase costs by up to 10%; and life-time ownership costs by up to 12%.

“So costs of delivering on the new targets do not have to lead to an increase in van costs and could actually benefit the consumer,” commented the Energy Saving Trust.

Legislation nearly on the books

Last week’s European Parliament vote is almost the end of the story – although formal approval is required by the EU Council of Ministers, which shares veto rights with MEPs. But the final text was negotiated with ministers, so delays are not expected.

The next important legislative step will be made by the European Commission in 2012, when it will decide whether the agreed long-term target of 147g by 2020 is technically feasible, (taking costs into account). This would follow an “assessment of the impact on the car industry and its dependent industries” of such a target.

If there are problems, Brussels will table an amendment, maybe easing this 147g goal.