Diesel: the true (dirty) story

This report draws on a wide range of data and analysis to examine the underlying reasons for Europe’s diesel addiction, i.e. the biased regulations and taxes that have artificially created the bloated sales of diesel cars in Europe that until recently represented over half of the new car market. It also examines the consequences for health and the environment and wider economic effects of dieselisation.

Contrary to perceived wisdom it shows that diesel cars are not actually lower carbon than gasoline versions if emissions are considered across the full lifecycle of the vehicle.

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The average CO₂ emissions of new diesel cars (119g/km) are only a few grams/km lower than an average (often less powerful) petrol car (123g/km). If the Euro 2,000 cost premium of diesel over petrol car is taken into account gasoline cars already outstrip their diesel counterparts. For example, hybrid systems are now no more expensive than diesels (and cheaper in some markets) but average 89g/km. In the medium term the opportunities to lower CO₂ emissions from cars are primarily from gasoline and electric solutions. To 2050 electric is the most cost effective technology.

Since diesel is not better for the climate than petrol there is no justification for its preferential treatment.

As well as in English, the executive summary of the report is available to download in:

• Catalan
• French
• Greek
• Spanish