Fresh charge is needed to boost EV sales
Ireland is a long way from where it needs to be in terms of reducing emissions, writes Geraldine Herbert CO2 emissions fell by less than 2pc last year, according to the latest figures released this week by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Given that a reduction of 16pc is needed to meet its EU 2020 target, the state is likely to face sanctions. Transport is a significant contributor to Ireland’s carbon footprint, as...
Diesel imports are only part of the problem
There is a glut of older diesels on our roads and its not just as a result of imports writes Geraldine Herbert With only weeks to go to the budget there have been calls from within the motor industry to ban the importation of used cars from the UK. James McCarthy, CEO of Nissan Ireland, said that unless a ban is introduced on cars imported from the UK that do not meet the current Euro 6 emissions standard, it will be impossible for...
A new tougher test comes in this week for all new cars.
From September 1st, the new WLTP standards will come into force so what does it mean for new car prices and motor tax writes Geraldine Herbert What is changing? The current method of testing fuel economy and emissions for new cars is to be replaced. Condemned for its inability to reflect real-world mpg, the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) will be replaced across Europe, including Ireland on September 1, 2018 by the Worldwide...
Stricter new CO2 test may cause slump in car sales
A new system to test emissions will bring more accurate measurements, but may also lead to higher taxes and car prices, warns Geraldine Herbert A new emissions test for cars that is providing more accurate carbon dioxide (CO2) ratings may cause car sales to fall. The test, which was introduced last year for new models only will apply to all new cars sold in the EU from September 1 and is designed to deliver more realistic figures for...
Is it time to ditch diesel?
The rise of hybrid and electric cars coupled with tough emissions laws will mark the end of our diesel love affair, writes Geraldine Herbert In 2017, diesel car sales fell by almost 20 per cent in the UK due partly to the threat of additional taxes and bans in cities. Sales in Ireland have declined more slowly and the market share of diesel has moved from 70% of all new cars bought in 2016 to 65% in 2017. Fuel choice has become a...
