CarsClimateElectric vehiclesGeneral NewsTransportation technology Growing Demand for Larger Cars Offsets Gains from Cleaner Technology; Electric Vehicles Offer a Solution by Michael Nguyen November 25, 2023 written by Michael Nguyen November 25, 2023 1 comment Bookmark 32 According to a recent report from the Global Fuel Economy Initiative, the substantial negative impact on the environment caused by passenger vehicles could have seen a reduction of over 30% in the past decade if it weren’t for the global preference for larger automobiles. Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) now dominate the automotive market, constituting more than half of all new car sales worldwide, with the International Energy Agency estimating a nearly equivalent figure using a more specific SUV definition. Over time, these vehicles have not only grown in size but have also amplified their environmental cost. Carbon dioxide emissions from gas-powered cars are closely tied to fuel consumption, meaning that the carbon emitted at the pump is directly proportionate to what emerges from the vehicle’s tailpipe. Transportation accounts for approximately 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions related to energy, and a significant portion of this stems from passenger transport, as reported by the International Energy Agency. The Global Fuel Economy Initiative suggests that the adverse environmental impact of SUVs could have been reduced by more than one-third between 2010 and 2022 if consumers had continued to opt for smaller cars. This initiative, comprising various cleaner vehicle organizations worldwide, proposes one solution to this problem: electric vehicles (EVs). George Parrott, a resident of West Sacramento, California, made the switch to cleaner vehicles in 2004 when he purchased a Toyota Prius hybrid. He has since owned multiple fully electric cars, including a Genesis GV60 electric SUV and a Tesla Model 3, citing broad environmental concerns as his motivation. He and his late partner were also aware of their region’s poor air quality, prompting them to minimize their impact on the environment. However, in the United States, not all consumers view energy consumption and environmental benefits in the same light. While EV sales accounted for 15% of the global car market last year, the figure was only 7.3% in the U.S. Meanwhile, smaller vehicles or sedans have seen a substantial decline in the U.S. market over the past decade. In 2012, sedans accounted for 50% of the U.S. auto retail space, with SUVs at just over 30% and trucks at 13.5%, but by 2022, U.S. sedan market share had plummeted to 21%, while SUVs claimed 54.5% and trucks grew to 20%. The preference for larger vehicles is evident, with many consumers desiring spacious, 7-passenger options. Although large SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia, or Nissan Armada may achieve highway gas mileages of 28, 24, and 19, respectively, they remain less efficient than sedans due to their heavier weight. Encouragingly, compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, offering 35 and 34 highway miles-per-gallon, respectively, have gained prominence, accounting for about 18% of new vehicle sales last year. Efforts by U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, are underway to enhance the fuel economy and reduce tailpipe emissions of gas-powered vehicles. However, some of these initiatives may impact the SUV segment, leading to industry concerns. While electric vehicle options have expanded, there’s a need to consider the environmental aspects when replacing an SUV with an EV, as highlighted by Loren McDonald, CEO of market analysis firm EVAdoption. He emphasizes that merely electrifying vehicles is insufficient; attention should also be directed towards reducing vehicle weight and enhancing efficiency, which requires smaller battery packs. The industry is striving to advance battery technology to achieve this while minimizing the use of critical minerals. These findings from the Global Fuel Economy Initiative are expected to be highly relevant at the upcoming COP28 U.N. climate change talks. [Author: Alexa St. John, Big Big News climate solutions reporter] [Note: The article concludes with acknowledgments related to funding and the publication’s responsibility for content.] Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Climate Impact of SUVsQ: What is the main finding of the Global Fuel Economy Initiative report mentioned in the text?Q: Why are SUVs considered a concern for the environment?Q: How does the preference for SUVs affect the overall climate impact of passenger vehicles?Q: What percentage of greenhouse gas emissions from energy is attributed to transportation?Q: What role do electric vehicles (EVs) play in addressing the environmental impact of SUVs?More about Climate Impact of SUVs Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Climate Impact of SUVs Q: What is the main finding of the Global Fuel Economy Initiative report mentioned in the text? A: The main finding is that the negative environmental impact caused by SUVs could have been reduced by over one-third between 2010 and 2022 if consumers had continued to choose smaller cars. Q: Why are SUVs considered a concern for the environment? A: SUVs are a concern because their larger size and increased fuel consumption lead to higher carbon dioxide emissions, which directly contribute to climate change. Q: How does the preference for SUVs affect the overall climate impact of passenger vehicles? A: The preference for SUVs has offset the gains from cleaner vehicle technology, leading to a substantial negative impact on the climate. If consumers had continued buying smaller cars, the climate impact would have been significantly lower. Q: What percentage of greenhouse gas emissions from energy is attributed to transportation? A: Approximately 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions from energy are attributed to transportation, with a significant portion coming from passenger transport. Q: What role do electric vehicles (EVs) play in addressing the environmental impact of SUVs? A: EVs offer a potential solution by providing cleaner and more energy-efficient alternatives to traditional gas-powered SUVs. However, the environmental benefits of EVs also depend on factors like vehicle weight and efficiency. More about Climate Impact of SUVs Global Fuel Economy Initiative International Energy Agency American Lung Association’s polluted cities list Edmunds – U.S. Auto Retail Market Share Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) EVAdoption – Market Analysis Firm COP28 U.N. climate change talks [Big Big News Climate Initiative](Link not provided) You Might Be Interested In US Sen. 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He has a particular interest in football and basketball, and he enjoys analyzing game strategies and player performance. previous post The debate over Ukraine aid was already complicated. Then it became tangled up in US border security next post The Rise of Luxury Water: A Glimpse into the World of Fine Water You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 1 comment Alexa St. John November 26, 2023 - 12:44 am wow, suvs r messin up the climate, we cud be better off, like 30% better off, if ppl still liked smaller cars. electic cars cud help tho. 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