Passenger vehicle greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption

Twelve countries worldwide have established or proposed fuel efficiency or greenhouse-gas emission standards for passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles and trucks. The regulations in these markets, covering more than 80 percent of global passenger vehicle sales, influence the business decisions of major vehicle manufacturers around the world, and are among the most effective climate-change mitigation measures to have been implemented over the past decade.

These governments have taken differing approaches to designing their regulations, using different drive cycles and vehicle certification test procedures. Converting the standard values—that is, the fuel efficiency mandates or emissions limits—between different regulations involves not just converting physical units but also accounting for the impacts of differences in test cycles.

Since 2007, the ICCT has maintained a set of data tables, comparison charts, and a conversion tool as a ready reference to worldwide passenger vehicle fuel efficiency standards, with the aim of comparing the relative stringency of regulations as accurately and fairly as possible. The increasingly urgent need for effective policies on climate change mitigation and energy efficiency has only underscored the importance of accessible, reliable, and fair benchmarking across jurisdictions.

In 2014 we comprehensively updated the methodology underlying those resources. See the summary overview of those updates, and a detailed description of the methodology to learn more. The results are reflected in our library of comparison charts, and in the modified Excel-based conversion tool (links below). In 2017 we released a comprehensive report that updates the fuel efficiency policy of major vehicle markets. Future policy changes will be noted on our factsheets for each market (see below).

For more information contact: Zifei Yang, Program Lead

Comparison Charts

Updated July 2023

Passenger car emissions and consumption, normalized to NEDC

 

Download: PNG

Light truck emissions and consumption, normalized to NEDC

Download: PNG

Passenger car emissions and consumption, normalized to WLTP

Download: PNG

Light truck emissions and consumption, normalized to WLTP

Download: PNG

Overview of fuel efficiency and CO2 emission standards of passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles around the world

Updated August 2023

Table 1. Definitions of passenger car and light truck/commercial vehicles
RegionPassenger Car Light Truck/Commercial Vehicle
Max. GVWMax. SeatsMax. GVWOthers
EU3,500 kg93,500 kg
China3,500 kg93,500 kgInclude passenger cars with seats > 9
U.S.3,856 kg103,856 kgGVW > 2722 kg including vehicles with four-wheel drive and meet various off-road requirements e.g., ground clearance
Canada3,856 kg103,856 kgGVW > 2722 kg including vehicles with four-wheel drive and meet various off-road requirements e.g., ground clearance
India3,500 kg93,500 kg
Brazil3,856 kg123,856 kgCompact SUVs are classified as passenger cars, other SUVs including off-road and large SUVs are classified as a third separate category
South Korea3,500 kg103,500 kg
UK3,500 kg93,500 kg
New Zealand3,500 kg93,500 kgInclude vans with seats > 9
Mexico3,857 kg103,856 kg
Japan3,500 kg/3,500 kg
Chile2,700 kg/2,700 kg

View data

Table 2. Fleet specifications of passenger cars
Table 3. Fleet specifications of light commercial vehicles
Table 4. Overview of regulations for passenger cars
RegionTarget YearRegulated MetricUnadjusted Fleet Target/MeasureAttribute-basedCorporate AverageTest Cycle
EU2025
2030
2035
CO293 g/km
49 g/km
0 g/km
Curb WeightYesWLTP
China2021 - 2025Fuel consumption5.7 - 4.6 l/100kmCurb WeightYesWLTP
U.S.2024 - 2026(proposal)Fuel economy49.2 - 58.1 mpg
60.0 - 66.4 mpg
FootprintYesU.S. combined
U.S.2023 - 2026
2027 - 2032 (proposal)
GHG166 - 132 g/mi
134 - 73 g/m mpg
FootprintYesU.S. combined
Canada2023 - 2026GHG161 - 148 g/miFootprintYesU.S. combined
IndiaFY 2022 - 2023Fuel consumption4.77 l/100kmCurb WeightYesNEDC
Brazil2022Energy consumption1.62 MJ/kmCurb WeightYesU.S. combined
South Korea2021 - 2030GHG97 - 70 g/kmCurb WeightYesU.S. combined
UK2024 - 2035
(proposal)
CO2120 - 0 g/kmFlat targets for ICE vehiclesYesWLTP
New Zealand2023 - 2027CO2145 - 63.3 g/kmTare WeightYes3P-WLTP
Mexico2025 - 2027
(proposal)
GHG104.4 - 88.9 g/kmFootprintYesU.S. combined
Japan2030Fuel efficiency25.4 km/lCurb WeightYes3P-WLTP
Chilea2024 - 2026
2027 - 2029
2030
Fuel efficiency18.8 km/l
22.8 km/l
28.9 km/l
Curb WeightYesWLTP
Note:
(a) Fuel economy targets will be applied to the whole light-duty vehicle fleet

View data

Table 5. Overview of regulations for light commercial vehicles
RegionTarget YearRegulated MetricUnadjusted Fleet Target/MeasureAttribute-BasedCorporate AverageTest Cycle
EU2025
2030
2035
CO2153 g/km
90 g/km
0 g/km
Curb WeightYesWLTP
China2026 - 2030
(proposal)
Fuel consumptionN1: 7.3 - 5.9 l/100km
M2: 8.2 - 6.6 l/100km
Test WeightYesWLTP
U.S.2024 - 2026
2027- 2032
(proposal)
Fuel economy35.1 - 41.5 mpg
44.4 - 54.4 mpg
FootprintYesU.S. combined
U.S.2023 - 2026
2027 - 2032
(proposal)
GHG234 - 187 g/mi
163 - 89 g/mi
FootprintYesU.S. combined
Canada2023 - 2026GHG238 - 190 g/miCurb WeightYesU.S. combined
Brazil2022Energy consumptionOff-road and large SUVs: 2.04 MJ/kmCurb WeightYesU.S. combined
Brazil2022Energy consumptionLight commercial vehicles: 2.68 MJ/kmCurb WeightYesU.S. combined
South Korea2021 - 2030GHG166 - 146 g/kmCurb WeightYesU.S. combined
UK2024 - 2035,br.(proposal)CO2192 - 0 g/kmFlat targets for ICE vehiclesYesWLTP
New Zealand2023 - 2027CO2218.3 - 87.2 g/kmCurb WeightYes3P-WLTP
Mexico2025 - 2027 (proposal)GHG151.1 - 130.7 g/kmFootprintYesU.S. combined
Japan2022Fuel efficiency17.9 km/lWeight-classBin-basedJC08
Chilea2024 - 2026
2027 - 2029
2030
Fuel efficiency18.8 km/l
22.8 km/l
28.9 km/l
Curb WeightYesWLTP
Note:
(a) Fuel economy targets will be applied to the whole light-duty vehicle fleet.

View data

Table 6. Credit banking and trading systems
RegionRuleCarry ForwardCarry Backward
ChinaAccumulate the exceedance as credit
Transfer between related manufacturers
Trade between manufacturers
3 Years
(With a 90% discount)
120 days
U.S.Accumulate the exceedance as credit
Transfer between passenger cars and light trucks (unlimited for GHG, limited to 2.0 mpg for fuel economy)
Trade between manufacturers
Adjustment and extension factors apply
5 Years3 Years
South KoreaAccumulate the exceedance as credit
Trade between manufacturers
Small-scale manufacturers are excluded
5 Years from 2021/
UK (proposal)Accumulate the exceedance as credit
Trade between manufacturers
Transfer exceedance to ZEV mandate scheme
(2024–2026 only, with cap)
3 Years
New ZealandAccumulate the exceedance as credit
Transfer between passenger light vehicle importers
3 Years1 Year (PVs only)
Mexico (proposal)Accumulate the exceedance as credit
Trade between manufacturers
Not defined in the proposal8 Years (2019 - 2027)

View data

Table 7. Overview of off-cycle credit system in passenger car fuel economy standards
RegionTechnologyMax. Credit
EUEco-innovation technologies: LED lights, 48V motor generator with DC/DC converter, alternator, 12V motor generator, and smart diesel fuel heater7 g/km (before 2025)
6 g/km (2025-2029)
4 g/km (2030-2034)
Internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) only
ChinaKinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS)0.15 l/100km
High-efficiency A/C0.20 l/100km
U.S.16 menu off-cycle technologies and additional technologies upon application10 g/mi (pre MY 2023)
15 g/mi (MY 2023-2026)
10 to 0 g/mi, EVs excluded (MY 2027-2032 proposal)
A/C refrigerant leakage/alternative refrigerant6.3 g/mi or 13.8 g/mi (whichever is higher) (before MY 2027)
A/C efficiency5.0 g/mi
EVs excluded (MY 2027-2032 proposal)
IndiaRegenerative breaking9 g/km
Start-Stop System
Tire pressure monitoring system
6 or more Speed Transmission
BrazilStart-Stop SystemPVs: 0.227 MJ/km
LCVs: 0.0439 MJ/km
Front grille control system0.0049 MJ/km
Gear Shift Indicator (GSI)0.0134 MJ/km
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)0.0134 MJ/km
High efficiency lights (LEDs)0.0079 MJ/km
South KoreaTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)17.9 g/km or 4.5km/l
Low friction tires
Gear Shift Indicator (GSI)
High-efficiency A/C
Other technologies
UKEco-innovation technologies: LED lights, 48V motor generator with DC/DC converter, alternator, 12V motor generator, and smart diesel fuel heater7 g/km
Mexico (proposal)Off-cycle credits (menu technology and additional technology upon approval)6.25 g/km
High efficiency lights0.36 g/km
Active aerodynamic improvements1.2 g/km
Heat recovery technology1.55 g/km
Engine with stop-start system1.15 g/km
Active engine heating system1.1 g/km
Active transmission heating system1.21 g/km
Thermal controls1.9 g/km
Solar panels1.6 (battery charge + active cabin ventilation 75w)
2.0 g/km (battery charge 75w)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)0.6 g/km
Electric heater circulation system1.92 g/km
A/C refrigerant leakage4.12 g/km (MY 2025 – 2027 only)
A/C refrigerant leakage/alternative refrigerant9.04 g/km (MY 2025 – 2027 only)
A/C efficiency; 8 menu off-cycle technologies6.22 g/km (MY 2025 – 2027 only)

View data

Table 8. Overview of different vehicle super credit systems in vehicle fuel economy standards
RegionTarget yearMultiplierQualified vehiclesNote
EU20202CO2 ≤50 g/km (NEDC)Up to 7.5 g/km over the three-year period from 2020-2022
20211.67
20221.33
20231
China20212Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)/Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) (mileage ≥ 43 km)
20221.8
20231.6
20241.3
20251
20211.4Non-EVs < 3.2 l/100km
20221.3
20231.2
20241.1
20251
U.S.2023-20241.5BEVs and Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs)Up to 10.0 g/mi over MYs 2022–2025
2025 and later1
2023-20241.3PHEVs
2025 and later1
Canada20202.25BEVs and FCVs
20212
2022-20251.5
20201.95PHEVs
20211.8
2022-20251.3
20201.45Natural gas vehiclesIncluding dual fuel vehicles
20211.3
2022-20251
India2022-20232Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
2.5PHEVs
3BEVs
South Korea2021-20233BEVs and FCVsMultiplier for compact vehicles is reduced by 0.3
Vehicles with manual transmissions receive 5.4 g/km reduction
LPG vehicles receive 5% - 10% GHG emissions reduction by 2027 with a cap of 15 g/km
20242.5
20252
20261.5
2027-20301
2021-20232HEVs and PHEVs
20241.75
20251.5
20261.25
2027-20301
UK20202CO2 ≤50 g/kmUp to 3.75 g/km over the two-year period from 2021 to 2022
20211.67
20221.33
Mexico2019 - 2024/BEVs, FCVs, HEVs, PHEVs, and ICEVs with emissions 20% below the annual limit1.8 g/km reduction
2025 - 202713.5BEVs and FCVsThe OEM determines the number of sales be multiplied within the range of 0-50% of total sales of EVs, PHEVs and HEVs.
8.3PHEVs
5HEVs

View data

Table 9. Derogations for small manufacturers
RegionDefinition of Small ManufacturersFlexibility Mechanism
EU<10,000 new passenger cars
<22,000 new light commercial vehicles
Based on proposed specific emissions target consistent with the economic and technological potential to reduce CO2 emissions
Manufacturers with < 1,000 new passenger cars or new light commercial vehicles annual sales are exempted from CO2 emissions standards
China< 2,000 annual production or imports2021–2023: If the CAFC drops by 4% compared to the previous year, the CAFC standard is relaxed by 60%; If the CAFC drop is between 2%–4%, the CAFC standard is relaxed by 30%
U.S.≤ 1,500 employeesExempted from GHG standards
Canada< 750 LDV annual production or imports, calculated as a three-year rolling average Exempted from GHG standards
India≤ 5,000 manufactured/imported unitsSmall manufacturers opting for alternate target, the target ‘T’ is calculated as below:
2017 - 2021: T = P (proposed target)
2022 – 2023: T = P * 0.830
Korea≤ 4,500 automobile sales in 2009 A relaxed standard of 8% (2021-2022), 10% (2023), 11% (2024), 14% (2025- 2026), 13% (2027), 12% (2028), 11% (2029), and 10% (2030)
Korea≤ 500 automobile sales in 2009 The government established a specific target in consultation with the manufacturer
UK< 1,000 new passenger cars or new light commercial vehicles annual salesExempted from CO2 emissions standards
New ZealandNo special treatmentNo special treatment
Mexico (proposal)≤ 500 vehicle salesExempted from GHG emissions standards

View data

Table 10. Fuel efficiency and GHG standards regulatory agencies and document
RegionRegulatory AgencyRegulation
EUEuropean Parliament; Council of the European UnionRegulation (EU) No. 2019/631
Regulation (EU) No. 2021/0197
ChinaMinistry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)Fuel consumption evaluation methods and targets for passenger cars
Fuel consumption limits for passenger cars
Limits of fuel consumption for light-duty commercial vehicles
Limits of fuel consumption for light-duty commercial vehicles (proposal)
U.S.United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Revised 2023 and Later Model Year Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards (40 CFR Parts 86 and 600)
U.S.National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards for Model Years 2024-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks (49 CFR Parts 523, 531, 533, 536, and 537)
CanadaEnvironment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations
Regulations Amending the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations
IndiaMinistry of Power (MOP)S.O.1072(E)

S.O.5020(E)
BrazilMinistry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC)DECRETO Nº 9.557

LEI Nº 13.755
South KoreaMinistry of the Environment (MOE); Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE)Notice on the application and management of vehicle average energy efficiency standards and greenhouse gas emission permitting standards and specifications
UKDepartment of Transport (MOT)UK’s ZEV mandate and CO2 emissions regulation for new cars and vans (proposal)
New ZealandThe Ministry of TransportLand Transport (Clean Vehicles) Amendment Act 2022
MexicoMinistry of Environment and Natural ResourcesNOM-163-SEMARNAT-ENER-
Proyecto de Modificación a la NOM-163
JapanMinistry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT); Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)乗用車の2030年度燃費基準に関する最終とりまとめ(令和元年6月)
小型貨物車の2022年度燃費基準に関する最終とりまとめ(平成27年3月)
ChileMinistry of Energy (MOE)Law 21.305 on Energy Efficiency

View data

Quick Resources

Links to country-specific information in fact sheets and on transportpolicy.net