O impacto da idade de veículos automotores no inventário de emissões de gases de efeito estufa

Abstract

The average age of circulating vehicles plays a crucial role in the environmental context. Due to the absence of advanced emission control technologies, older vehicles generally exhibit lower environmental performance compared to newer ones. The evolution of emissions regulations and standards over the years has helped develop technologies for more fuel-efficient and sustainable vehicles, contributing to this difference in environmental performance. As a result, newer vehicles have more sophisticated devices, such as catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and electronic fuel injection systems, which significantly help reduce pollutant gas emissions. Given the national scenario regarding the vehicle fleet, where there is still a significant portion of older cars in circulation, a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory of the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program was conducted, considering the manufacturing year of 11 models of the Hyundai HB20 1.0-12V engine vehicle manufactured from 2012 to 2023. The results indicate that the age of vehicles and their subsequent compliance with emission control programs during their manufacturing period directly impact greenhouse gas emissions. When comparing the newest models with the older ones, a significant reduction in pollutant gas emissions was observed. Vehicles manufactured in recent years, which have incorporated more advanced emission control technologies, showed substantially lower levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to older models, proving that renewing the fleet with more modern and efficient vehicles is essential for reducing environmental impact.