Gas cars with low nitrogen oxide emissions
The latest measurement results from Empa, the research institute of the ETH Domain in Dübendorf ZH, show that modern diesel cars emit much more nitrogen oxides than expected. Gas-powered vehicles achieved much better values during Empa's test drives: they were 60 to 140 times cleaner on the road than the diesel cars measured.
Diesel vehicles are once again in the headlines. The reason for this is the latest measurement results from the Empawhich show how much nitrogen oxides modern diesel cars emit. Nitrogen oxides are particularly problematic in connection with ozone formation in summer. In cities, nitrogen oxides from traffic regularly exceed the prescribed limits.
"Anyone who already wants to drive cleaner than the law requires can do so today," writes Empa in the latest issue of its magazine "Empa Quarterly", suggesting the purchase of a natural gas/biogas vehicle. In fact, the gas cars tested achieved excellent measured values: While modern Euro 6 diesel cars emitted up to 1400 mg/km of nitrogen oxides, the gas cars were below 10 mg/km. They were thus 60 to 140 times cleaner on the road than the diesel vehicles measured. The maximum values of a gasoline car also tested were over 50 mg/km.
At least 10% Biogas
Gas-powered vehicles are on the road in Switzerland with a biogas content of at least 10 percent. They not only emit less nitrogen oxide than conventional vehicles, but also much less CO2 and other pollutants that are harmful to the environment and health, such as particulate matter. For years, the Auto Environmental List of the Swiss Transport Club (VCS) has confirmed the environmental friendliness of gas-powered vehicles. In 2017, they again achieved top rankings.
Text: VSG
