Diesel cars as green as electric cars in emissions tests
For the first time, a diesel car has achieved the maximum score in a European emissions test, partly set up by the Consumer Association. The Mercedes-Benz C220d was therefore qualified as 'green' as fully electric cars.
For the first time, a diesel car has achieved the maximum score in a European emissions test, partly set up by the Consumer Association. The Mercedes-Benz C220d was therefore qualified as 'green' as fully electric cars.
The Mercedes achieved a 10 in the so-called Clean Air Index, in which harmful exhaust gases are measured. Electric vehicles automatically get the maximum score thanks to their lack of emissions.
The Energy Efficiency score of the Mercedes in the Green NCAP, the name of the overall program, is still lagging behind that of electric vehicles. As a result, the car does not get 5 stars but 3 stars. For a fair comparison, fuel consumption is converted to kWh.
The BMW i3, Hyundai Ionic and Nissan Leaf are the greenest vehicles according to Green NCAP. The Volkswagen Up and Opel Corsa with 1.0-liter petrol engine come closest thanks to low emissions and favorable fuel consumption.
The Mercedes-Benz C220d scores a 10 on the Clean Air Index, but only a 5.3 on the Energy Efficiency Index. The Renault Scénic Blue dCi 150 also achieved a very green score with an 8.6 on the Clean Air Index.
The organizers, a joint venture between European consumer organizations, industry associations, universities and governments, do not yet start from the so-called source to wheel principle. For example, this also looks at the environmental impact of the production process. In the long term, that must be taken into account, they say in a press release.