A new landmark law concerning pollutant-free vehicles recently received approval from the environment ministers of the European Union. The law also got the support of almost all EU countries, with Poland being the only member not in favour of the law.
Romania and Bulgaria did not contribute to the votes as they abstained. Italy also abstained because the EU Commission did not accept its suggestion of including biofuels in the list.
The law sealed the agreement that all new vehicles sold beginning the year 2035 should have zero emissions. This happened after a slight delay as the Free Democratic party of Germany wanted e-fuel-powered vehicles to be exempted or else they will withdraw their support for the ban.
As such, e-fuel vehicle sales will be allowed to continue after the year 2035. This gave traditional vehicles additional life. E-fuel supporters include high-end brands Ferrari and Porsche.
This new law’s main goal is to fast-track the carbonisation of Europe’s new vehicle fleets.
The European Commission has said that total CO2 emissions showed vans and passenger vehicles take up around 2.5% and 12% of the top spot respectively. This is something that should not be taken for granted as evidence point to a continuing increase in global temperatures if toxic emissions are not reduced.
According to the European Association for Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers, the decision is a significant step toward using technological solutions in meeting the targets for improving climate conditions.
Transport and Environment campaigners, however, believe that e-fuels are not only expensive for car owners but they’re also pretentious or fake.
European Union officials are expected to analyse how the petrol and diesel vehicle phaseout has progressed in terms of using innovative technologies.
Why vehicle emissions are bad
The most common vehicle emissions are those that are released by diesel vehicles. Nitrogen oxides or NOx are a group of gases that includes nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These gases are dangerous and can harm both the environment and human health.
NOx easily reacts when mixed with other elements. It produces pollutants, such as ground-level ozone, which is responsible for damaging vegetation. Nitrogen oxide is also responsible for the formation of acid rain and smog.
The biggest problems you’ll face when you are exposed to NOx emissions are its health impacts. They range from the mildest to the most life-threatening:
- Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues
- A decline in cognitive health, which can lead to dementia
- Asthma and other respiratory illnesses
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Laryngospasm
- Corroded teeth
- Certain cancers
- Asphyxiation
- Cardiovascular disease
- Premature death
The number of early deaths around the world increases every year. Air pollution has become the leading cause of these deaths, and it is now considered just as dangerous as drug and alcohol abuse, HIV and AIDS, vehicular accidents, and smoking.
Vehicular emissions have been in the news in recent years because of the Dieselgate scandal.
What was the scandal about?
The Dieselgate diesel emissions fiasco began in September 2015 with only the Volkswagen Group as the sole carmaker involved. The carmaker was accused of using defeat devices in their VW and Audi diesel vehicles that they sold in the US. These devices manipulate regulatory tests so that vehicles can reduce emissions to within legal levels.
However, these devices only cap emission levels during regulatory tests. As soon as the vehicles are taken out of the lab for real-world road driving, the devices turn off, causing the vehicles they’re integrated into to emit unlawful volumes of NOx once again.
The scandal didn’t stop; allegedly, more carmakers followed in VW’s footsteps. Authorities focused their sights next on Mercedes-Benz, but BMW wasn’t far behind. Before these carmakers were officially implicated in the diesel emissions fiasco, they were allegedly caught colluding in a cartel with Volkswagen, with Mercedes represented by parent company Daimler.
VW, BMW, and Daimler allegedly met for several years and colluded on limiting newer technology intended for improving emissions.
BMW was soon thrust into the spotlight when authorities allegedly found defeat devices in some of their diesel vehicles. Like Mercedes, the carmaker paid fines and fees, as well as compensation for the affected drivers. Thousands of affected vehicles had been recalled as well.
Whether you drive a VW, Mercedes, or BMW, you have the right to bring your carmaker to court through a diesel claim. Authorities know that affected drivers should be compensated for the inconveniences their carmakers put them through.
Can my diesel claim help me?
A diesel claim will allow you to hold your carmaker responsible for their illegal actions. It is the best option for you because:
- Your carmaker lied to and misled you into believing that you bought a high-performance, emissions-compliant vehicle
- Your carmaker exposed you to high volumes of NOx emissions
- Your carmaker compromised your vehicle’s performance quality
First off, though, you should visit ClaimExperts.co.uk to find out if you are qualified to claim compensation. Once you’re done, contact an emissions expert who can help you decide whether to file your BMW emission claim as a separate individual case or if you should join a GLO (Group Litigation Order).
