Phasing out SUVs could save more energy than other solutions

This is the conclusion of a report by the International Energy Agency, asserting that SUVs should be the first type of vehicle to be phased out if we are to save energy.

SUVs now constitute half of all vehicles sold, and the main reason we buy them is fashion. There is no justification for owning an SUV unless it is a proper off-road vehicle. Even then, off-road vehicles seldom leave paved roads, so SUV drivers are even less likely to do so.

All the benefits of SUVs are purely subjective and complex to defend. Claims of a better sense of security, a higher driving position, and the ability to drive over curbs are often cited as advantages. However, there is a strong argument against them: energy consumption. Whether we discuss fossil fuels or electricity, any SUV offering the same features as a smaller sedan consumes more fuel (or electricity).

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) report, an average SUV consumes about 20% more fuel. These vehicles are heavier, contributing to road damage, and larger, affecting the space they occupy. The IEA notes that oil consumption in the past two years has increased by 25% due to SUV popularity. Moreover, CO2 emissions have risen by 110 million tons.

Interestingly, according to the Agency's calculations, SUVs worldwide emit more CO2 than any European country. For instance, if all SUVs stopped driving, emissions would decrease more than if the entire country of Germany ceased emitting.

Therefore, SUVs consume energy (in any form) that could otherwise serve other vehicles, facilitating more cars, covering longer distances, or lasting longer. Objectively, SUVs harm everyone because they provide no significant benefits but consume considerable fuel and electricity.

Meanwhile, EU regulations aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions directly promote SUVs as a more environmentally friendly means of transport. This is because SUVs' CO2 emission limits are raised compared to smaller cars due to their mass. As a result, many brands, and soon almost all, have ceased production of small, fuel-efficient A-segment vehicles. Today, finding a brand in Europe without at least one SUV in its lineup is hard.