Green NCAP, Evaluation of the Exhaust Gas Behaviour and the Energy Efficiency of Modern Cars under Demanding Conditions

Abstract

In 2019, Euro NCAP launched Green NCAP, a new initiative to evaluate the environmental behaviour of new cars that is complementary to its consumer safety programme. The vehicles are rated based on performance indices - Clean Air, Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gases. The tested models range from conventional powertrains to battery electric cars as well as the latest fuel cell technology. The tests cover a wide range of challenging conditions, far beyond the requirements of type-approval, both in the lab and on the street. Apart from the typical pollutants considered by EU law, the not yet regulated compounds N2O and NH3 are already measured and investigations are ongoing to include emissions of sub-23nm particles. The initial results confirm the significant improvement in exhaust gas quality achieved over the last years but also identify necessities for further development. Several paradigm changes are and will be introduced in future programme activities.