Hybrids are the best positioned in the emissions war

The ineffectiveness of “downsizing” is forcing manufacturers to push hybrid technology as a way to get past emissions tests.

Emissions testing has tightened since the scandal involving Volkswagen, which has led brands to look for a remedy for the high levels of pollution produced by their vehicles. Reducing engine size, popularly known as “downsizing”, has so far been the technique most used by manufacturers to comply with environmental pollution regulations. However, this strategy may be nearing its end due to its ineffectiveness in real-world conditions.

The scores brands obtain in emissions tests have nothing to do with actual pollution. When these small-engined cars carry more weight in real life than in the tests, emissions of NOx (diesel) or carbon monoxide (petrol) soar, reaching up to 15 times the established limits.

“They may be passing the current European driving cycle (NEDC), but in the real world they are not complying,” says Pavan Potluri, forecasting analyst at IHS Automotive. “The techniques we have used to reduce engine capacity will not be enough in the future to meet pollution standards. We are reaching the limits of downsizing,” says Alain Raposo, head of the propulsion system at the Renault-Nissan alliance.

So where are manufacturers heading to solve this problem and cut real-world emissions? Back to building larger engines and pushing hybrid technology. Brands such as Renault, General Motors and Volkswagen already plan changes in this direction. Volkswagen intends to convert its 1.4-litre three-cylinder engines into 1.6-litre four-cylinder units, while Renault will modify its 1.6 diesel to increase displacement to 1.8 litres. Moreover, everything points to these combustion engines being paired with an electric motor, boosting hybrid technology.

“You cannot keep reducing engine volume indefinitely, so the goal is to provide new solutions. In the future, ‘downsizing’ will mean taking a smaller engine and adding an electric motor,” says Sudeep Kaippalli, analyst at the consultancy Frost & Sullivan.

Source: Reuters