Greta Jimenez
Motor vehicles are a significant source of air pollution in Australia, emitting greenhouse gases and air pollutants that contribute to climate change and pose health risks. With a large vehicle fleet of 19.2 million, Australia has one of the least efficient and most polluting fleets globally, with cars emitting approximately 7.7 million tonnes of carbon monoxide in 2020. Light vehicles alone account for around 11% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions. While electric vehicles are gaining traction and sales are projected to increase, Australia's approach to reducing emissions has been criticised as ineffective, with few policies targeting its substantial carbon footprint. This paragraph introduces the topic of car pollution in Australia, highlighting the current challenges and the need for improved emissions reduction strategies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average emissions intensity for all vehicles on the road as of January 2024 | 193.7 g/km |
| Average emissions intensity for new cars sold in 2023 | 5% less than in 2022 |
| Average emissions intensity for new cars sold in 2012 | 193.7 g/km |
| Australia's ranking in global vehicle pollution | One of the most polluting countries |
| Number of vehicles in Australia | 19.2 million |
| Percentage of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions that come from light vehicles | 11% |
| Average emissions of a passenger vehicle per year | 4.6 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide |
| Percentage of oxides of nitrogen emitted by cars built since 2013 compared to vehicles built in 1976 | 3% |
| Percentage of particles emitted by diesel trucks built from 2013 compared to vehicles built in 1996 | 8% |
| Number of air pollutants assessed in Australia | 6 |
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What You'll Learn
Electric vehicles are reducing pollution
Electric vehicles are cars or other vehicles that are propelled by electric motors. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicles that use liquid fuels, electric vehicle motors are powered by electricity. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have zero exhaust emissions, making them better for the environment than petrol, diesel, or hybrid vehicles. Electric vehicles are therefore an effective way to reduce pollution.
In Australia, light vehicles account for around 11% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. Transport is the third-largest source of carbon emissions in the country, which is one of the world's biggest emitters per capita. To address this issue, Australia introduced new standards targeting vehicle emissions to boost the uptake of electric cars. The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) welcomed the move, but cautioned that strong standards must be implemented to prevent Australia from becoming "the world's dumping ground for dated, high-emission vehicles."
Demand for electric vehicles is growing in Australia, and sales are expected to increase once price parity with internal combustion engine vehicles is reached in the mid-2020s. The Australian government has also cut taxes for electric vehicles, providing further incentive for their adoption. As of December 2022, there were just over 4,900 public chargers located at fewer than 2,400 sites in the country. While this infrastructure is still developing, there is a clear trend towards the adoption of electric vehicles in Australia, which will contribute to reducing pollution.
The benefits of electric vehicles extend beyond reducing pollution. Electric vehicles can also provide energy back to the electricity grid during periods of high demand and low supply from renewable sources. This bidirectional charging technology can make electric vehicles more than just a form of transport, potentially reducing power bills and supplying power during outages. Additionally, electric vehicles are cleaner and cheaper to run than traditional vehicles, saving motorists money and improving air quality.
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Cars produce greenhouse gases
The average passenger vehicle emits 4.6 metric tonnes of CO2 annually, and with approximately 19.2 million vehicles on Australian roads, the country has one of the least efficient and most polluting vehicle fleets in the world. While the steady rise in electric vehicles is helping to reduce emissions, Australia is only just beginning to embrace this market. However, sales of electric vehicles are expected to surge in the coming decades, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional cars.
Vehicle emissions in Australia have been declining due to various initiatives and technological advancements. Newer vehicles emit significantly fewer pollutants than older models, thanks to improved fuels, enhanced technology, and stricter emission standards. For instance, cars manufactured since 2013 produce just 3% of the oxides of nitrogen emitted by vehicles built in 1976. Additionally, diesel vehicles adhering to the Euro 6 standard emit fewer oxides of nitrogen than those meeting the Euro 5 standard.
Despite these improvements, Australia has been criticized for its lacklustre approach to reducing emissions. Without additional policy interventions, transport emissions are projected to increase through 2030, as efficiency gains are outpaced by demand growth. To effectively tackle this issue, Australia needs to implement policies that prioritize reducing the country's substantial carbon footprint.
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Australia's poor approach to reducing emissions
Australia has been described as having a "dismal approach" to reducing emissions. With a combined vehicle fleet of 19.2 million, Australia has one of the least efficient and most polluting vehicle fleets in the world. Australian cars pollute more per kilometre than most other countries, and there are few policies in place to target this huge carbon footprint.
Despite the steady rise of electric vehicles, Australia is only just catching on to the electric car market, and sales are projected to increase over the next few decades. However, this is not happening fast enough, and the country is not doing enough to encourage the switch to electric vehicles. The current minimum standard for new light vehicles in Australia is ADR 79/04 ('Euro 5'), whereas many other countries have adopted the tougher Euro 6 standards.
The Australian vehicle fleet is growing, and there are more cars on the road. While newer vehicles produce significantly fewer emissions than older vehicles, the total emissions from motor vehicles are expected to continue to fall over the next decade due to new, cleaner vehicles replacing older technology. However, without further policy action, overall transport emissions are projected to increase in the period up to 2030 as demand growth continues to outpace efficiency improvements.
To reduce transport emissions, Australia could implement policies to encourage the switch to electric vehicles, improve fuel efficiency, and adopt alternative fuels with lower emissions, such as electricity, natural gas, and sustainable biofuels. Individuals can also play a role by opting for public transport, walking, or cycling instead of driving, and by choosing more energy-efficient vehicles.
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Older vehicles produce more emissions
Australia's light vehicle fleet accounts for around 11% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. While new vehicles sold in 2023 achieved a 5% reduction in emissions intensity compared to 2022, the average emissions intensity for all vehicles on Australian roads as of January 2024 was 193.7 g/km, which is roughly the same as new cars sold ten years ago. This suggests that older vehicles on the road are contributing significantly to the country's emissions levels.
Additionally, newer vehicles are subject to increasingly stringent emissions regulations. For example, the current minimum standard for new light vehicles in Australia is ADR 79/04, based on the international "Euro 5" standard. Many vehicles sold in Australia meet the tougher "Euro 6" standards, which result in lower emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and fine particles. However, it's important to note that even with these stricter standards, the latest generation of cars in the UK produced 7% more emissions than older vehicles due to the increasing demand for bigger, heavier models.
The transition to electric vehicles is crucial in reducing vehicle emissions. While many developed nations have pledged to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles, this transition is more complex in developing countries where older, imported cars are often the only affordable option. To meet global emissions targets, efforts must be made to regulate the used car trade and promote the adoption of low- and zero-emission vehicles, especially in developing nations.
In summary, older vehicles produce more emissions due to less stringent safety and emission standards, and the lack of regulation in the used car trade allows these vehicles to continue contributing to global emissions levels. Addressing these issues is essential in the battle against climate change, and promoting the adoption of low- and zero-emission vehicles can help developing countries access advanced technologies while reducing their environmental impact.
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Alternative fuels reduce emissions
Australia's transport sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, making transport the country's third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2020, transport was responsible for 19% of Australia's total emissions, and this is predicted to rise to 25% by 2030. Light vehicles alone account for around 11% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.
To reduce emissions, Australia's transport sector must break its dependence on fossil fuels. Alternative fuels, such as biofuels, bioenergy, electricity, and hydrogen, are viable substitutes for fossil fuels. Biofuels, for instance, have a lower environmental impact than fossil fuels and can be produced domestically, reducing Australia's reliance on fuel imports. Ethanol, a type of biofuel, is more highly combustible than fossil fuels and results in lower tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions. However, first-generation biofuels are derived from food sources such as corn, sugarcane, and canola, putting pressure on global food supplies and farming land. On the other hand, second-generation biofuels are made from more abundant plant materials and biomass, such as industrial waste, manure, and used cooking oil.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are another alternative, producing zero emissions. The average driving range capability of EVs has increased significantly in recent years, and Australia's high level of solar coverage reduces the need to import fuel. Additionally, the raw materials needed to make EV batteries are expected to decrease in cost in the coming years.
Hydrogen is also a key focus of Australia's transition to net-zero emissions. The country has invested in pioneering projects through the Advancing Hydrogen Fund to position itself as a leading innovator, producer, and exporter of green hydrogen. Hydrogen has the potential to decarbonise heavy transport, with projects such as Ark Energy's hydrogen hub and Sun Metals' zinc refinery in Townsville showcasing the viability of hydrogen as a low-emissions fuel alternative.
By leveraging alternative fuels, Australia can establish a new industry that will help achieve its net-zero emissions target and position the economy for a low-emissions future.
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Frequently asked questions
The average passenger vehicle emits 4.6 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. Light vehicles account for around 11% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions, with the average emissions intensity for all vehicles on the road as of January 2024 being 193.7 g/km.
Australian cars pollute more per kilometre than most other countries. With a combined vehicle fleet of 19.2 million, it is one of the least efficient and most polluting in the world.
There has been a steady rise in the number of electric vehicles in Australia, which produce significantly fewer emissions than traditional cars. Additionally, newer vehicles produce fewer emissions than older vehicles, and the introduction of better fuels and improved technology has contributed to a reduction in emissions.
