Next year, the EU enters the next phase of automotive emissions standards under the current regulation, Euro 6. Average CO2 emissions of new cars must be a maximum of 95 grams per kilometer under real driving conditions. This will drop by a further 15 percent in 2025, and 37.5 percent in 2030. Other territories are following suit. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced in January that it’s working on new rules to decrease vehicle emissions and China 6a is set to come into force this year.
Weight plays a crucial role in a vehicle’s CO2 emissions. A 100-kilogram reduction in weight typically results in a CO2 reduction of 8.5 grams per 100 kilometers. Thus, cutting weight remains high on the agenda for automotive manufacturers striving to get more out of every drop of fuel or, in the case of electric vehicles, more from a single charge.