Mercedes Mullins
There are several reasons why European cars are more fuel-efficient than their American counterparts. Firstly, the types of cars that people buy differ between the two markets; smaller vehicles and diesels are more prevalent in Europe, and these are typically more fuel-efficient than larger vehicles with larger gasoline engines. Secondly, the testing procedures and standards for fuel efficiency also vary between Europe and America. The New European Driving Cycle's test procedure is shorter and slower than the EPA's procedure, which attempts to mimic American driving conditions. Additionally, Europe and America use different units of measurement for fuel efficiency, which can contribute to the perceived difference in fuel efficiency. Finally, stricter emission standards and regulations in Europe have pushed carmakers to engineer cleaner machines, further improving fuel efficiency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevalence of smaller vehicles | More small, fuel-efficient car models in Europe than in America |
| Type of engine | Smaller diesel engines in smaller cars which use less fuel |
| Gasoline | Higher octane petrol and lower sulphur diesel in Europe |
| Fuel measurement | Measured in liters of fuel used per 100 kilometers covered |
| Testing procedures | The New European Driving Cycle's test procedure is shorter and slower than the EPA's procedure |
| Loopholes in testing | Automakers exploit loopholes in the testing |
| Unrealistic tests | The basic CAFE highway test cycle tops out at 60 mph, and averages a mere 48 mph |
| Test cycles | Unit conversion and test cycles are different |
| Emission standards | Looser emission standards in Europe |
| Political motives | Unrealistic targets set for 2030 |
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What You'll Learn
Smaller vehicles and diesels are more prevalent in Europe
The type of cars that people buy differs between Europe and the US, with smaller vehicles and diesels being more prevalent in Europe. This is a significant factor in the fuel efficiency of European cars. Smaller vehicles are typically more fuel-efficient than large vehicles with large gasoline engines. The European market has many more small, fuel-efficient car models than the US market. Even European versions of international cars like the Jetta are rated at higher MPG numbers.
The prevalence of diesel cars in Europe is also a factor in the fuel efficiency of European cars. Diesel engines use fuel more efficiently than gasoline engines, so the switch from gasoline to diesel was supposed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and help combat global warming. Since the 1990s, European governments have been encouraging drivers to buy diesel cars through tax breaks and other incentives. Diesel cars now make up one-third of Europe's fleet.
The interest in developing diesel cars in Europe began in the 1980s, with French and German automakers leading the way. This was partly due to the OPEC oil crises of the 1970s, which left Europe's refiners producing large amounts of diesel with no buyers. By the late 1990s, diesel technology had improved dramatically, with advances in fuel injection allowing the engines to run more quietly and efficiently than their gasoline counterparts.
However, Europe's promotion of diesel vehicles as a green transportation option has been controversial. The testing procedures for diesel cars have been criticized as flimsy and easily manipulated, with automakers sending optimized cars to labs that complied with pollution limits, while the cars sold to consumers had much higher emissions. Additionally, the focus on diesel technology may have hindered the development of other advanced powertrains, such as hybrid or electric vehicles.
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Differences in testing procedures
There are several differences in testing procedures between the US and Europe that contribute to the higher fuel efficiency ratings of European cars. Firstly, the New European Driving Cycle's test procedure is shorter and slower than the EPA's procedure. For example, the European "Urban" test is only 13 minutes long, while the EPA's city test is 31 minutes long. The EPA's test also reaches higher speeds, with speeds of up to 60 mph, while the European test only goes up to 30 mph. This means that cars equipped with start-stop systems, which are becoming more common, use no fuel at all during the stationary portions of the European test.
Another difference is that the EPA considers additional variables such as 'High Speed', 'Air Conditioning', and 'Cold Temperature' tests to adjust the city and highway mileage posted on new cars. This is intended to get the mileage closer to real-world factors. However, even with these adjustments, the EPA's tests may not accurately reflect real-world driving conditions, as they are designed to mimic American driving conditions, which differ from those in Europe.
The units used to measure fuel efficiency also differ between the US and Europe. European figures are measured in litres of fuel used per 100 kilometres, while the North American gas mileage measures distance per fuel quantity. When converting European figures to the more familiar MPG measure, they are generally given in Imperial gallons, which are 20% larger than US gallons. This can make the fuel efficiency of European cars seem higher than it actually is.
It is worth noting that the testing procedures in both regions have been criticised for being unrealistic and not accurately reflecting real-world driving conditions. Loopholes in the testing procedures and the use of different testing cycles can further blur the lines between rated efficiency and real-world results. As a result, there is often a significant difference between the lab-tested fuel efficiency of a vehicle and its actual performance on the road.
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Stricter fuel economy rules in Europe
The EU's fuel economy rules have significant implications for carmakers, who face massive fines if they fail to comply. In 2018, it was reported that emissions of CO2 were 25% above the target on average, indicating that many manufacturers would likely face financial penalties. The EU has shown a commitment to strictly enforcing these regulations, with one columnist stating that the industry could face almost 30 billion euros ($35 billion) in fines over a three-year period.
The transition away from diesel engines, which were once considered a key component of meeting fuel efficiency targets, has further complicated the situation for carmakers. Following the VW diesel scandal and growing concerns about the health risks associated with diesel engines, diesel-powered vehicles have fallen out of favour. This has forced manufacturers to accelerate their investment in electric and hybrid vehicles, which are generally more expensive to produce.
The new, stricter Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) has also played a role in tightening fuel economy rules. This procedure aims to force automakers to be more transparent about fuel consumption and reduce the exploitation of loopholes in testing procedures. The WLTP applies to all new cars in the EU, and only a limited number of vehicles tested under the old rules can be sold alongside them. This has disrupted sales patterns and squeezed profit margins for carmakers.
While the stricter fuel economy rules in Europe have faced some criticism and presented challenges for the automotive industry, they reflect a broader trend towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation. These regulations are driving innovation and encouraging the development of cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles, which could have long-term benefits for both consumers and the environment.
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Higher octane petrol and lower sulphur diesel
The octane rating of a fuel is a measurement used to indicate its resistance to engine knock. A higher octane rating will have more resistance to knock. A higher octane fuel can be compressed (along with air) more without detonating as a result of the heat from compression.
By using a high octane fuel, engine designers are able to implement various techniques to improve reliability, efficiency, and power output. Firstly, it helps prevent knock. Engine knock, or pinging, occurs when a separate pocket of air-fuel mixture ignites after the spark has ignited the air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. This can cause serious engine damage and can be prevented by using the proper octane-rated fuel. Secondly, higher octane allows for the use of higher compression ratios. Compression ratio is directly linked with thermal efficiency, so the higher the compression ratio, the more efficient the engine will be. Thirdly, high octane fuels allow for advanced ignition timing. This means that the spark is fired well before the piston reaches top dead centre on the compression stroke.
In addition, higher octane fuels almost always have higher concentrations of cleansing additives, so running on a tank of high octane fuel can help in cleaning an engine and preventing future build-up.
Regarding diesel, the removal of sulphur in all types and grades of fuel has become a new key requirement for meeting the latest environmental and technological needs. Modern engine oil specifications yield problems when they encounter excessive sulphur-containing fuel. Even the latest highest-performing engine oil specifications on the market are susceptible to premature breakdown from poor quality fuel. While the rest of the world is currently or already making use of EURO 6 emissions and fuel quality standards, Australia is still using EURO 3 for its 91 RON and EURO 4 for its 95 RON fuels. Lower sulphur content is generally interpreted as higher fuel quality.
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More electric and hybrid cars
Electric and hybrid cars have been experiencing a period of rapid growth in Europe. Between 2017 and 2023, the EU's trade of electric and hybrid cars increased significantly, with electric cars being the largest category traded among hybrid and electric cars in 2023. Electric vehicles accounted for 22.7% of new car registrations and 7.7% of new van registrations in 2023, with a total of 2.4 million new electric cars registered. This marked a notable increase from the 2 million electric cars registered in 2022.
The growing popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles in Europe is further evidenced by the fact that, in 2023, the combined share of all hybrid and battery-only electric vehicles matched that of pure petrol and diesel cars, each accounting for nearly 50% of new registrations. This shift towards electrification is particularly prominent in certain countries, such as Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, where hybrid and electric cars comprised more than 50% of new registrations in 2023.
The increasing presence of electric and hybrid cars in Europe is driven by several factors. One key factor is the push for reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency. The transport sector is a significant contributor to EU greenhouse gas emissions, and the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles is seen as a crucial step towards achieving the EU's climate neutrality goals for 2050. EU-wide targets have been set to reduce emissions from new cars and vans, with a 15% reduction target by 2025 and a more ambitious 55% reduction target for new car emissions by 2030.
Additionally, the growth in electric and hybrid car registrations can be attributed to the support and incentives provided by European governments to promote electric mobility and reduce emissions. Norway, for example, has been a leader in this regard, with an impressive 83% of new car sales in 2023 being battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Other countries, such as Sweden, Belgium, and Finland, have also seen significant PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) sales percentages, indicating a strong market for these vehicles.
The shift towards electric and hybrid cars in Europe is part of a broader trend towards more sustainable and environmentally conscious transportation choices. As technology advances and infrastructure improves, we can expect to see further growth in the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles, contributing to Europe's efforts to mitigate climate change and create a greener future for its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
European cars are more fuel-efficient due to a variety of factors, including:
- The type of cars: Smaller vehicles and diesels are more common in Europe, which tend to be more fuel-efficient than larger vehicles with larger gasoline engines.
- Testing procedures: The tests used to measure fuel efficiency differ between Europe and the US, with the New European Driving Cycle test being shorter and slower than the EPA's procedure.
- Measurement standards: Fuel efficiency in Europe is measured in litres of fuel used per 100 kilometres, while in North America, it is measured as distance per fuel quantity.
- Stricter emission standards: Europe has stricter emission standards, which encourage the development of cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
- Fuel type: Europe uses higher octane petrol and diesel with lower sulphur levels, which can impact fuel consumption positively.
No, European cars undergo different tests than American cars. The EPA's test is designed to mimic American driving conditions, while European cars go through a test that is more suited to European driving conditions.
The EPA's tests are generally longer and involve higher speeds. For example, the EPA's city test can reach up to 60 mph, while the European "Urban" test is only 13 minutes long and does not reach such high speeds.
Some fuel-efficient European cars include the Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, the Volkswagen Up minicar, and the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion. Additionally, many European carmakers are moving towards electric and hybrid vehicles, which are inherently more fuel-efficient.
Europe has been tightening its fuel economy rules, with targets set for 2021 and beyond. The goal for 2021 was to reduce fuel consumption to 95 grams of CO2 per kilometre, which is equivalent to 57.4 mpg. These rules aim to push carmakers towards engineering cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
