Report says classics are less damaging to environment than modern vehicles
Research from the Indicator Report shows that when compared to modern vehicles, classic cars are much less damaging to the environment.
The average classic emits 563kg of CO2 per year, yet an average passenger car has a 6.8-tonne carbon footprint immediately after production. FJ’s Indicator Report shows that two-thirds of classic car enthusiasts are already concerned about climate change, with over 50 per cent open to further benefiting the environment with emissions offsetting schemes.
The 50+ page Indicator Report, suggests that various areas such as diversity and relevance within the industry require some improvement, but also goes on to discuss the environmental impact of classic cars in depth. Statistics in the extensive report show that the average classic car – travelling a national UK yearly average of 1,200 miles – generates 563kg of CO2 per year. In comparison, a typical modern car such as a Volkswagen Golf emits up to 6.8 tonnes of CO2 before it even departs the factory. The in-depth research study also states that even though a modern car would, in fact, be more efficient and use less fuel if used on a daily basis, the environmental cost of manufacturing a new vehicle immediately negates this.
Additionally, the Indicator Report mentions that battery-electric vehicles have even more of an impact in terms of average carbon emissions footprint than a classic or modern internal combustion engine car. The fully electric Polestar 2, for example, is said to create 26 tonnes of CO2 during its production process alone - an emissions figure that would take a typical classic car 46 years to match. This shows that despite the enticing prospect of zero-tailpipe emissions from an electric vehicle, classic cars are far less impactful on the environment long-term due to their infrequent use.
Further data in the report also helps to indicate how classic car owners and enthusiasts feel about their carbon footprint and the effect of driving on the environment in general. The report features a poll, which shows that two-thirds (66 per cent) of our audience are already environmentally conscious and concerned about the effects of climate change. In addition, over half (52 per cent) of polled audience said they would consider signing up for a vetted scheme to reduce their classic cars’ impact on the environment through carbon emissions offsetting.
Managing Director of Footman James, David Bond explained: “The Indicator Report is extremely useful in determining how much of an impact our beloved classics have on the environment. It’s easy for one to assume that classic cars are more damaging simply because of their older and less efficient engines, however, the data in this report disproves that theory. It’s really about how these vehicles are maintained and used; it is clear that while new modern and electric cars might seem better for the planet day-to-day, the problem is how much of an impact their production causes.
“Speaking to our audience, we’re glad to discover that a substantial portion is concerned about the effects of climate change, and many would sign up for emissions offsetting schemes. The future of classic cars is in our hands, and we must do everything we can to ensure they stay on the road.”
Download the full report via the sign-up form here.
Old news this, but at least someone is trying to help us. Electric vehicles are more damaging than Carbon net Zero or Hydrogen power. The batteries degrade over a short period of time and cannot be recycled, ending up in landfills. High output electric motors emit large amounts of Ozone - good at high altitudes, bad for life at low altitudes. There is also the range problem and time to recharge which make them only good for town commuters. According to my MP, the government will not be increasing charge points, this will be left to power companies, which will mean not enough. The existing technology can be used with carbon net-zero fuels (alcohol), and water absorption can be reduced using a trace of caustic soda. Changing carburation and ignition timing will allow classics to use Methanol / Ethanol, and lining fuel tanks will stop the rot (or Stainless Replacements). Carbon zero fuels such as liquid Hydrogen (which reduces sea level rise) is the ideal, but little research has been done to evaluate it when used with early injected classics. Governments are only pushing the electric agenda to appease China and dispossess the poor of their personal transport, making an increasing population easier to control.
grumpy old git, 26/06/2022
The report quite rightly already shows the large carbon footprint of modern car buildings, particularly electric vehicles. However, there is also the issue of the useful life span of a vehicle. Electric vehicles I think have a battery life span of up to 10 years, and during that period the range of the vehicle also reduces. So many electric vehicles will have a shorter lifespan than a conventional car and have to be scrapped, plus a complex recycling process, so another new car is required. Yet another large carbon footprint. Contrary to the environmental green lobby, electric cars are bad for the environment. The technology is simply not good enough. Add to that the carbon footprint of building the charging network! Yes, we do need to find an alternative energy form, and that will probably be hydrogen, eventually. Then vehicles will probably achieve a near 20-year lifespan which would be more acceptable.
Apple, 25/06/2022
The planet we live on is and has been, changing from the beginning. It will come to an end, but before then it will no longer be a viable home for us. Can everyone please accept that fact? Various agendas are seeking to change our habits and even our thought processes, the myth of the fantasy of man-made climate change is a classic example of allegedly sane rational creatures not doing just that....thinking.
Jumbo, 25/06/2022