The American car emits more fine particles than its European number

A regulatory loop allows automakers in the United States to build cars that emit more ultrafine particles than comparable models sold in Europe and other markets. This is the result of a report by British test firm Emissions Analytics, based on a study of emissions of several models from car makers Ford, BMW, Toyota and Stellandis.

Ultrafine dust can be harmful to human health. Due to their microscopic size, these particles can be absorbed deep into the human lungs.

Filters

Emission analysis Found a clear impact on exhaust filters that are widely used in Europe and control the emission of ultrafine particles. The European Union has regulations governing the emission of ultrafine particles. The same rules do not apply in the United States. As a result, higher emissions are recorded.

China and India have standards similar to Europe. According to industry estimates, installing a diesel particle filter for a gasoline engine costs about $ 200 from automakers.

Research shows that during the cold start in the city, the average European model emits 83.7 percent less ultrafine particles than in the United States.

The biggest difference will be recorded with the European Ford Cuca, which will continue to produce 95 percent fewer ultrafine particles than its US number Ford Escape. With a warm start, that difference will increase to a further 96 percent. Researchers have also found major differences between the BMW x5, the Jeep Wrangler and the Toyota RAV4.

Local Terms

The car manufacturers involved insisted in their response that their vehicles were built to comply with all local regulations. Automakers have set aside tens of billions of dollars Switching to zero emission electric cars To feel.

Emission analysis indicates that petrol vehicles sold in the United States must meet the standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

No use of filter is required. In addition, the researchers note that the introduction of direct injection technology increases the emission of ultrafine particles, leading to improved fuel efficiency.

“Despite America’s most aggressive technology gradually removing shots, combustion engines … Well over the next decade Are used, ”said Nick Moldon, CEO of Emissions Analytics.

“Therefore strong efforts should be made to minimize the detrimental impact of these engines, regardless of the speed of electrification.”

Alan Schaefer, director of the Diesel Technology Forum, estimates that direct injection vehicles account for half of North American vehicle sales. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency acknowledged that vehicle manufacturers have reached emissions standards without the use of filters.

“However, references are being made to filters and other technologies for new rules to be introduced in five years,” it added. “We hope for the future Emission standards for vehicles We need to make it even tighter. “

⁇N. S)