Background Briefing: Weight vs Footprint

T&E believes, and has long argued, that a single, legally binding, fleet-average standard is the best way of achieving the goal for new car CO₂ reductions.

But in addition, the Commission’s proposal says that CO₂ limits should be differentiated according to the type of car and that the so-called ‘utility parameter’ used to define the targets should be the car’s weight. In simple terms the proposal says heavier cars should get easier (higher) CO₂ standards and lighter cars should get tougher (lower) ones.

This briefing argues that if a utility parameter is to be used, it should not, under any circumstances be based on weight, but rather on the car’s footprint (the area between the four wheels). The negative implications of weight- based standards are described below. Every one could be avoided if Europe opted for a single fleet-average target, or footprint-based targets.