Around 760 million tonnes of carbon dioxide were emitted in the EU in 2022 from the road transport fuel combustion. Passenger cars and motorcycles accounted for the largest share of emissions (60%). Heavy duty trucks and busses accounted for 27% and light duty trucks for a further 12%.
Carbon dioxide emissions from road transport have increased by 24% since 1990. The most significant increase in carbon dioxide emissions between 1990 and 2022 was for light duty trucks (+56%). Carbon dioxide emissions from heavy duty trucks and buses increased by 29% and those from passenger cars by 17%.
It is true that better engines and exhaust technology as well as the use of new fuels (such as E10) help to reduce pollutant emissions. However, these measures are more than offset by the increasing volume of traffic and the growing number of highly motorised vehicles with comparatively high fuel consumption.
More data on emissions in the European Union and its Member States can be found in the Eurostat database and in the publication “EU transport in figures“.
Last update: 08.07.2024