The EEA’s data shows that the average van sold emitted 180.3 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer (gCO2/km), which covers most light commercial vehicles sold in the EU.

Current emissions are slightly higher than the 175 gCO2/km target to be met by 2017. However, according to the EEA, by 2020, emissions should be 147 gCO2/km, which is 18.5% lower than current levels.

The targets introduced in 2011 come from EU legislation that requires Member States to report all new vehicles sold each year. Each manufacturer has an individual target, calculated using the average mass of their registered vehicles.

EEA executive director, Hans Bruyninckx, said: “To cut emissions significantly, manufacturers will need to improve the technology of their vehicles and sell more efficient models. The good news is that there is huge potential for using new technologies which are well-suited to the way vans are used, including electric or hybrid vehicle technology.”

The data also found that pure electric vehicles represent 0.5% of the vehicles sold, while the average van sold in Cyprus had the lowest CO2 emissions per kilometre (141g CO2/km). However, emissions were 43% higher for the average van sold in Slovakia (201g CO2/km).

Leigh Stringer

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