Volkswagen’s admission to systematically skirting emissions standards through the widespread use of a “defeat device,” has raised serious concerns about the efficacy of current test practices. Designed to recognize and deceive predictable laboratory emissions tests, the defeat device enabled Volkswagen to circumvent testing market diesel-powered cars that release nitrogen oxide pollutants at up to 40 times the U.S. legal limit.
Even absent the presence of a defeat device, the nature of laboratory testing generally allows cars to perform more efficiently than they would under real driving conditions. The result: current laboratory emissions tests are wholly ineffective as compliance tools for holding vehicle manufacturers accountable to emissions standards. European Union (EU) researchers suggest the discrepancy may mean the difference between meeting and exceeding nitrogen oxide limits. Like other pollutants, nitrogen oxides are linked to asthma attacks, emphysema, and bronchitis, and contribute to smog, acid rain, and eutrophication. Given the myriad public health and environmental impacts related to fuel emissions, it is critical that tests are both demanding and accurate.
In an effort to better align emissions tests with real world driving conditions, the EU is developing more authentic on-road test practices. Automakers have endeavored to offset the increased rigor of the redesigned tests by proposing a 70% increase in nitrogen oxide allowances, compared with the 30% proposed by policy makers. As Europe already lags behind the U.S. in both nitrogen oxide standards and the efficacy of its test practices, a 70% increase is excessive. Meaningful progress in emissions reduction requires stringent monitoring and accurate evaluation to hold automakers accountable.
The “diesel dupe” has exposed gaping holes in emissions testing. The human and environmental costs of unfettered fuel emissions are unacceptably high. For this reason it is imperative that a rigorous testing regimen be devised and enforced.
Sources:
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-34324772
http://www.wsj.com/articles/europe-embraces-real-world-emissions-testing-1443131553
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