New Car Fuel Consumption & Emission Figures
This page was last updated on 11th December 2025- New Car Fuel Consumption & Emission Figures Overview
- Cars and Emissions
- Cars and Noise
- Zero and Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ZEVs/ULEVs)
- Tyre Labelling
- Air Quality
- Fuel efficient driving tips
- Cars and Fuel options
- How to use the data
- Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED)
- Responsibilities of vehicle manufacturers, importers and dealers
- New Car Fuel Consumption & Emission Figures - Frequently Asked Questions
- Useful links
- General points
- Fuel cost
- Annex
Air Quality
Emissions of the main air pollutants are regulated by the Euro emissions standards, under the vehicle ‘type approval’ process. The Euro emission standards have progressively reduced pollutant emissions. The Euro 6 emission standard was introduced for most new registrations in September 2015. Provisions also exist under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 that make it an offence to use, cause or permit to be used a vehicle which no longer complies with its approval standards.
Carbon monoxide (CO), Nitrogen oxides (NOx), and gaseous un-burnt hydrocarbons (HCs), are not visible in the environment. Similarly, a modern car should emit no visible particulate matter (such as smoke/soot) unless the vehicle is defective for example burning excessive engine oil or having a faulty particulate filter. This could be an offence and could also result in the vehicle failing its MOT. The emission of air pollutants, are not solely dependent on fuel consumption. Other factors, such as driving style, driving conditions and ambient temperature also affect them.
Electric vehicles produce no exhaust pollutant emissions. Where an electric vehicle is not a practical or affordable option, those choosing to buy a new vehicle should consider one that meets the Euro 6d emission standard. These meet the second step of the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) requirements so that on-road performance is closer to the results achieved in the laboratory. Since the 1 January 2021, all new vehicles registered must meet the Euro 6d standard.
The fuel efficient driving tips below can also help reduce air pollution emissions.
All new cars (irrespective of technology or fuel) meet the minimum standards for charging under the Clean Air Zone framework where these are introduced for cars (for example Birmingham and Bristol), and will not be charged for access.
