Climate change and the transport sector: vehicle engine emissions and efficiency

A significant global transformation is taking place in the passenger vehicles market aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). While many governments support this transformation, Australia seems to be lagging – there are few governmental incentives for low emissions vehicles, consumers typically show preferences for heavier vehicles with more powerful engines, and Australia has cheaper fuel prices in comparison to other jurisdictions, such as Europe.

This White Paper provides the reader with an overview of these developments. It details how GHG emissions from vehicles are estimated and assesses the implications of different fuel types (e.g., gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas) for the overall GHG emissions of a vehicle. The White Paper highlights the role of zero/low emission vehicles in the transition to a lower-carbon economy and identifies the possible future pathways.

The White Paper offers recommendations to lower the use of fossil fuels and GHG emissions in the transport sector. The development of new technology solutions is comparatively expensive and slow. In the short term, there are opportunities to change purchase behaviour and travel habits. Policy support can build the infrastructure and confidence needed to transition to a considerably higher share of electric or hydrogen-based vehicle options. In the longer term, significant technological progress can help to reduce vehicle emissions, for example through the enhancement of energy efficiency and the development of new fuel types.