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SUVs are Worse for the Environment than Older Cars!

Recent research from the climate campaign group Possible has highlighted a concerning trend in England: the increasing popularity of ultra-heavy SUVs. While these vehicles may be a status symbol for some, they come at a steep environmental cost. The study found that, on average, a conventional-engined car purchased in 2013 has lower carbon emissions than a new SUV bought today.

One of the most significant findings of the research is the strong correlation between income and owning a large SUV. Households in the top 20% income bracket are 81% more likely to own a highly emitting car than those in the other 80%. Furthermore, this top-income group drives three times as many miles per year as those in the bottom-income quintile. This disparity in ownership and usage habits has led to a concerning carbon impact from the wealthiest individuals’ driving behaviors.

The study revealed that the carbon impact of the richest people’s driving habits has caused more damage to the climate than that of the poorest. The emissions from these heavy SUVs are contributing significantly to the worsening climate crisis. In areas like London’s Kensington and Chelsea, SUV ownership is strongly associated with living in wealthier neighborhoods. Super-heavy, high-emitting cars, such as the Land Rover Defender, are prevalent in these affluent areas. The research found that nearly a quarter of the cars in the wealthiest part of the borough fall into this category, compared to just 5% in the more deprived areas. This connection between wealth and SUV ownership underscores the need for a “polluter pays” approach to vehicle emissions based on size.

SUVs have become increasingly popular in the UK, accounting for almost a third of all car sales. While these vehicles are often marketed for their off-road capabilities and ability to tow heavy loads, research has shown that three-quarters of the SUVs bought new are registered to people living in urban areas. Their larger size and increased weight contribute to higher carbon emissions, ultimately offsetting the progress made in reducing vehicle emissions.

Some local authorities in London, such as Lambeth, Kensington, and Chelsea, have implemented differential parking permit charges, with owners of the heaviest, most high-emission vehicles paying significantly more than those with smaller cars. Such policies promote responsible car ownership and reflect the true environmental cost of driving an SUV.

SUVs are not only a problem in England but are prevalent in many countries, including the United States, where they account for about half of all car sales. On a global scale, the International Energy Agency has reported that SUVs produce emissions equivalent to the combined national totals of the UK and Germany. Moreover, in the US, the safety impact on pedestrians and cyclists from ultra-large “trucks” has raised concerns as pedestrian deaths have started rising after decades of decline.

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