Katerina Swanson
Cars in Europe are often more fuel-efficient than their American counterparts due to a combination of factors, including fuel prices, vehicle size, engine type, testing standards, and government regulations. The high cost of fuel in Europe incentivizes consumers to purchase smaller cars with more efficient engines, such as diesel or low-capacity engines. European tests for fuel efficiency are also known to be less stringent and slower than those in the US, which may contribute to the higher ratings of European cars. Additionally, the EU has set targets to reduce average new car emissions, further encouraging the development and sale of more fuel-efficient vehicles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Emphasis on fuel economy | Higher in Europe than in the US |
| Turbo engines | Unpopular in the US |
| Engine capacity | 1.0t Ford Fiesta in Europe vs 16-18 second 0-60s in the US |
| Fuel prices | Higher in Europe |
| Vehicle size | Smaller cars are the norm in Europe |
| Fuel type | Diesel engines are more popular in Europe |
| Fuel efficiency | Higher in Europe |
| Fuel measurement | US: mpg; Europe: liters of fuel per 100 kilometers |
| Fuel efficiency tests | More realistic in the US than in Europe |
| Fuel efficiency ratings | Higher in Europe due to test loopholes and shorter, slower tests |
| CO2 emissions targets | EU target of 130 g CO2/km by 2015 and 95 g CO2/km by 2020 |
| Average CO2 emissions | 127 g/km in Europe in 2013; 218 g/km in the US |
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What You'll Learn
Smaller vehicles and diesels are more common in Europe
The type of cars that people buy varies across different regions. Smaller vehicles and diesels are much more prevalent in Europe than in the US. This is partly due to the higher cost of fuel in Europe, which makes smaller, more fuel-efficient cars more appealing to consumers. In addition, diesel fuel in Europe tends to have a lower sulphur content, which can improve fuel efficiency.
The emphasis on fuel economy in the European market is also influenced by stricter emissions regulations. Manufacturers are incentivized to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles to comply with these standards. For example, the EU has set a target for average new car emissions to be below 95 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre by 2020. This has likely contributed to the increase in the market share of diesel cars, which are generally more fuel-efficient than their gasoline counterparts.
The testing procedures for fuel efficiency also differ between the US and Europe. The New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test used in Europe is shorter and slower than the EPA's procedure in the US. The "Urban" test in Europe, for example, is only 13 minutes long, while the EPA's city test is 31 minutes long. The slower speeds and shorter duration of the European tests can contribute to higher fuel economy ratings for vehicles.
It is worth noting that the measurements used to express fuel efficiency also vary between regions. European figures are typically measured in litres of fuel used per 100 kilometres travelled, while North American measurements use the inverse, calculating distance travelled per quantity of fuel. When converting European measurements to the more familiar miles per gallon (MPG) measure, it is important to note that the gallons used in the UK are 20% larger than those used in the US. These differences in measurement and testing procedures can contribute to discrepancies in fuel efficiency ratings between European and US vehicles.
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Gas is more expensive in Europe
The higher prices of gas in Europe are reflected in the types of vehicles that are popular in the region. In Europe, smaller cars with lower engine capacities, such as 1.4 to 1.8-liter engines, are considered more than sufficient for those who are not interested in high-performance sports cars. This contrasts with the US, where larger engines and vehicles are more common.
The emphasis on fuel economy in Europe is also driven by factors beyond gas prices. The region has stricter emission control regulations, which influence vehicle design and efficiency. Europe has set targets to reduce average new car emissions, and manufacturers may face fines if they exceed these targets. As a result, carmakers are incentivized to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles, contributing to the overall trend of higher fuel efficiency in Europe.
It is worth noting that the testing procedures for fuel efficiency also differ between Europe and the US. The New European Driving Cycle's test procedure is shorter and slower than the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) procedure. The discrepancy in testing methods can lead to variations in the reported fuel efficiency of vehicles between the two regions.
While the higher cost of gas in Europe is a significant factor influencing the region's preference for more fuel-efficient vehicles, it is important to consider the interplay of various factors. Stricter emission regulations, manufacturer targets, and testing procedures collectively contribute to the trend of improved fuel efficiency in European cars.
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Stricter emissions tests in the US
One of the main reasons European cars are more fuel-efficient is due to stricter emissions tests in the US. Cars in the US are built to pass smog tests, which means they are not built for maximum efficiency. The EPA's test attempts to mimic American driving conditions, while European tests are shorter and slower and do not accurately reflect real-world driving conditions. 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 includes higher speeds, with cars spending much more time at greater speeds.
The EPA conducts additional tests, such as 'High Speed', 'Air Conditioning', and 'Cold Temperature', to adjust the city and highway mileage posted on every new car's window sticker. These tests are designed to get closer to real-world factors. However, even with these extra tests, the EPA's tests are still not as realistic as they could be.
Another factor contributing to the discrepancy in fuel efficiency between European and American cars is the type of fuel used. In Europe, higher octane petrol and diesel with low sulphur are used, while the US has lower octane fuel and diesel with higher sulphur levels. These differences in fuel composition have a significant impact on fuel consumption, with European fuel being more efficient.
It is worth noting that the way fuel efficiency is measured also differs between Europe and the US. European figures are measured in litres of fuel used per 100 kilometres, while 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. So, an "80-mpg" European car is actually closer to 67 mpg when converted to US gallons.
While European cars may have higher reported fuel efficiency ratings, it is important to consider that these ratings are often unrealistic and do not reflect real-world results. Automakers may exploit loopholes in the testing process, further blurring the lines between rated efficiency and actual performance.
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Improved technology in Europe
One of the main reasons European cars are more fuel-efficient is improved technology. New vehicle technology is becoming more efficient, and this is an encouraging sign for the future of transport. The average car sold in the EU in 2012 was 9% more fuel-efficient than the average three years before, according to a report from the European Environment Agency (EEA). This improvement is due to technological changes and an increase in the share of diesel cars, which led to a fall in average CO2 emissions.
The EEA has set targets for reducing emissions, aiming for average new car emissions to be below 130 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre by 2015 and 95 grams per kilometre by 2020. Car manufacturers have individual emissions targets based on the average mass of the cars they sell, and they may face fines if they exceed these targets. As a result, manufacturers have been incentivised to develop and implement new, more efficient technologies.
Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) include electric cars, hybrids, and cars running on alternative fuels such as liquid petroleum gas and ethanol. The sale of these AFVs has been increasing, with Italy having the highest proportion of new cars sold that are AFVs at 13%. Electric vehicle sales have also been growing, with a 20-fold increase in annual sales over the last three years (up to 2012). Most of these cars were registered in France and Germany.
In addition to technological advancements, the economic crisis may have also played a role in the increased sales of more efficient models in some European countries, as people opt for smaller and more fuel-efficient cars due to the higher cost of fuel in Europe compared to the US.
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Different testing procedures
One of the main reasons for the discrepancy in fuel efficiency between European and American cars is the different testing procedures. European cars go through a different set of tests than American cars, which are designed to mimic the driving conditions in their respective regions. The New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test procedure, for instance, is shorter and slower than the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) procedure. The EPA's city test is 31 minutes long, while the European "Urban" test is only 13 minutes long. The EPA's test also includes higher speeds and more variability, such as 'High Speed', 'Air Conditioning', and 'Cold Temperature' tests, to get closer to real-world factors.
The way fuel efficiency is measured also differs between Europe and the US. European figures are measured in litres of fuel used per 100 kilometres covered, while North American gas mileage is calculated as distance per fuel quantity. When converting European figures to the more familiar miles per gallon (MPG) measure, they are generally given in Imperial gallons, which are 20% larger than US gallons. This can make European fuel efficiency figures seem higher than they would be if calculated using US gallons.
It is worth noting that both the NEDC and EPA tests have been criticised for not accurately reflecting real-world driving conditions. There can be a significant difference between the claimed fuel efficiency based on these tests and the actual fuel efficiency experienced by drivers. Additionally, automakers have been known to exploit loopholes in the testing procedures, further blurring the lines between rated efficiency and real-world results.
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Frequently asked questions
Cars in Europe are generally smaller and more fuel-efficient due to the higher cost of fuel. In addition, diesel cars are more popular in Europe, and diesel engines are more efficient than large gasoline engines.
Europe has stricter emissions standards than the US, which means that car manufacturers must focus on creating more fuel-efficient vehicles. However, it's important to note that European emissions tests have been criticized for being unrealistic and allowing loopholes that blur the line between rated efficiency and real-world results.
The testing procedures differ in terms of duration and speed. The New European Driving Cycle test is shorter and slower than the EPA's test in the US. The European "Urban" test is 13 minutes long, while the EPA's city test is 31 minutes long. These differences in testing procedures can impact fuel efficiency ratings and make it challenging to compare the fuel efficiency of European and American cars directly.
