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Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 May 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 May 2016. It was answered by Rory Stewart (Conservative) on Thursday, 12 May 2016 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Motor Vehicles: Exhaust Emissions

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the comparative particulate pollution created by (a) diesel and (b) electric cars.

Answer

The UK’s main air quality concerns relate to ambient concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, in particular close to busy roads, with diesel vehicles being the major source. Electric vehicles have zero exhaust emissions and offer a clear benefit in tackling this ongoing air quality challenge.

On pollution from particulate matter, evidence is limited. Recent research suggests that battery electric vehicles have similar total emissions of particulate matter to petrol and diesel vehicles, due to their higher mass causing increased non-exhaust particulate matter. The UK Automotive Council has identified vehicle lightweighting as a strategic technology priority, and recent Government research and development funding of £38 million will support a number of projects in this area.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
36949
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Cars Diesel vehicles Exhaust emissions Electric vehicles
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk