The European Commission has set a new target to limit van emissions to 175 grams per kilometre (g/km) from 2016.
In less than a decade the total emissions from vans in the UK has increased by 24%, due to the increase in the van use, internet shopping and home deliveries. However, to date the European Commission’s focus has been on lowering car emissions.
The technology in small and medium sized vans is derived from cars and the van manufacturers will benefit from the EU legislation currently underway in connection to the CO2 from cars.
A Transport & Environment report shows that progress towards limiting the CO2 emissions produced by light goods vehicles can be achieved by implementing new technologies and by reducing the power of van engines to the level that is needed to perform their duties.
Another study produced by CE Delft has found that limiting the top speed of vans to 100km/h would cut CO2 emissions by at least 7% as well as reducing the number of accidents involving vans.