EU unveils new strategy to cut car emissions

[pampango]

The European Commission has announced new plans to cut the amount of CO2 emitted by new cars and vans by 2020.

The proposals are likely to mean a 1000 euro increase on the price of a new car.

In Brussels EU Climate commissioner Connie Hedegaard insisted the proposals were a win-win for the environment, consumers and jobs.

‘‘New passenger cars eight years from now, in 2020, on average must emit one third less CO2 than they do today. It is a significant step forward for European climate policies. It’s good for climate, it’s good for innovation, and it’s of course good for consumers who will have less running costs,’‘ Hedegaard said.

http://www.euronews.com/2012/07/11/eu-unveils-new-strategy-to-cut-car-emissions/

Nice to see action being taken on the carbon emissions front. Too bad it has to make cars more expensive but they are part of the problem.

[RC]

1. On engines that use hydrocarbons for fuel, how can the amount of CO2 be reduced?

I can see making them more fuel efficient, but that has it limits and we are pretty close now. But in any case, there is the need to develop enough power to move the vehicle in a timely manner. That takes the energy from the burning hydrocarbons that produce the CO² in the first place.

[Zalatix]

2. The prices will go back down as innovations make things more efficient.