Will the term “Zero Emission” truly disappear?

This term could disappear in Australia, and for good reason—the country’s Advertising Standards Authority has warned about the viability of the term concerning electric vehicles.

For about ten years, the number of vehicles manufactured by automakers has continuously increased. To do so, Australia, but especially the advertising watchdog agency, is targeting brands that use the term “zero emissions” to sell more electric vehicles, according to our colleagues at Automobile Magazine.

The manufacturing issue

It is correct to say that when an electric car is running, it emits no emissions. However, emissions are not zero during its manufacturing. To enable an electric car to operate, it needs a battery. Manufacturing this battery is extremely costly, so in this case, the emissions of an electric car will be slightly less or the same as a thermal vehicle. Transportation of the vehicle and its transformation also need to be taken into account. It is in this context that the Australian agency wants to include the production of electric cars in the emission calculations, meaning they will no longer be zero-emission.

A fine for manufacturers who continue to use this term

Automobile also reveals that manufacturers who continue to use the term “zero emissions” could face a fine whose amount is not yet known. However, even if the term can no longer be used in Australia, it remains complicated to assert that it will be “banned” in France. The complexity of the issue means that emission calculations could vary depending on the vehicle.

Also read: Clément Beaune aims to reassure regarding transportation during the Olympics