Despite an increase in the number of classic cars on UK roads, emissions from these vehicles have decreased.
In a surprising turn of events, the number of classic cars on British roads has been on the rise, with over 1 million classic cars expected to be on the road by the end of 2024. However, the increase in their numbers has not led to a proportional increase in exhaust emissions.
The decrease in exhaust emissions from classic cars in the UK, despite their increasing numbers, is primarily due to the growing presence of "modern classics"—vehicles from the late 1980s and 1990s equipped with cleaner, more efficient technologies such as fuel injection and electronic ignition. These improvements have led to better fuel economy and consequently lower emissions per vehicle, resulting in an overall average CO2 emissions reduction of about 16% per classic car since 2013.
Engineering innovations, along with better manufacturing processes and quality control, are credited for a 21 percent improvement in average fuel economy between 1978 and 1995. The younger classic cars bring greater fuel efficiency and tighter emissions controls to the classic sector.
The influx of these cleaner, modern classic vehicles into the historic vehicle population is the main driver that keeps total sector emissions lower than expected despite more classics being driven. The trend for 'modern classic' cars has contributed to a 16 percent reduction in average emissions per vehicle.
Moreover, the use of sustainable fuel alternatives also plays a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. New biofuel products tailored for classic cars, such as blends with second-generation bioethanol derived from agricultural waste, support ongoing emissions reduction efforts in the classic car community.
Classic cars, despite their growing numbers, contribute only 0.3 percent of the UK's overall transport CO2 emissions. The average annual CO2e emissions per classic car have fallen from about 899kg in 2013 to 757kg recently, roughly equivalent to 1.5 weeks of emissions from a typical UK household.
Alex Kefford, head of editorial at Loop, explained the increase in the number of young-timer cars on UK roads. He stated, "The influx of young-timer cars is having a positive impact on the classic sector's overall emissions. The younger classic cars bring greater fuel efficiency and tighter emissions controls to the classic sector."
In conclusion, improved vehicle technology in newer classic models combined with sustainable fuel options are the main factors contributing to lowering exhaust emissions from classic cars despite their growing numbers on British roads. The classic car sector is demonstrating that it can evolve while maintaining its environmental footprint, offering a promising example for other sectors to follow.
- The rise in the number of classic cars on British roads, particularly the modern classics, has led to a significant, 16% reduction in average emissions per vehicle.
- Engineering innovations and improved manufacturing processes have resulted in a 21 percent improvement in average fuel economy between 1978 and 1995, contributing to lower emissions from classic cars.
- The influx of younger, cleaner classic cars has resulted in a lower overall transport CO2 emissions contribution from classic cars, which amounts to only 0.3 percent of the UK's total.
- Alex Kefford, head of editorial at Loop, attributed the increase in young-timer cars on UK roads to a positive impact on the classic sector's overall emissions.
- The use of sustainable fuel alternatives, such as bioethanol derived from agricultural waste, is another key factor in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from classic cars.
- Despite the increase in classic cars on British roads, the sector is evolving while maintaining its environmental footprint.
- The growing presence of electric vehicles (EVs) in the car landscape is another promising sign for emissions reduction in the automotive sector.
- In the realm of lifestyle and home-and-garden, the increased focus on car-maintenance, including the implementation of tighter emissions controls and the use of sustainable fuel options, has become an important conversation for classic car owners and enthusiasts.
