SUVs: Energy guzzlers that harm the planet and push emissions
The International Energy Agency report concludes that SUVs should be the first vehicle to be phased out to save energy.
SUVs now account for half of all vehicle sales, and their popularity is driven primarily by fashion. There is no justification for owning an SUV unless it is a genuine off-road vehicle. Even off-road vehicles rarely leave paved roads, so SUV drivers are even less likely to do so.
All the benefits of SUVs are subjective and complex to defend. Some argue that SUVs offer a better sense of security, a higher driving position, and the ability to drive over curbs. However, there is a strong argument against them: energy consumption. It doesn't matter if we're talking about fossil fuels or electricity. Any SUV offering the same features as a smaller sedan will consume more fuel or electricity.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), an average SUV consumes about 20% more fuel. These vehicles are heavier, contributing to road damage, and larger, affecting the space they occupy. The IEA reports that oil consumption in the past two years has increased by 25% solely due to the rise in SUV popularity. CO2 emissions have also risen by 110 million metric tonnes.
Interestingly, according to the Agency's calculations, SUVs worldwide emit more CO2 than any European country. For example, if all SUVs stopped driving, emissions would decrease more than if the entire country of Germany stopped emitting.
Therefore, SUVs consume energy (in any form) that could have been used for other vehicles, serving more cars, covering longer distances, or lasting longer. Objectively, SUVs harm everyone because they consume more fuel and electricity without offering significant benefits.
Meanwhile, EU regulations aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions indirectly promote SUVs as more environmentally friendly vehicles. These regulations allow higher CO2 emission limits for heavier vehicles than smaller ones. As a result, many brands, and soon almost all, have ceased production of small, fuel-efficient A-segment cars. Conversely, nearly every European brand offers at least one SUV in its lineup.
