SUVs are heavy-duty, high-energy vehicles primarily used for off-road transportation and sporting events. Luxury cars, such as SUVs, are known for their significant fuel consumption, and in both cases, manufacturers do not prioritize sustainability or environmental concerns.
These vehicles are generally designed for wealthier individuals, and as a result, capitalism takes precedence over environmental conservation.
Additionally, the production of these cars is inherently unsustainable and represents a misuse of resources.
The use of leather, chemicals, high-grade polish with numerous chemicals, expensive metals, multi-layer painting, welding, detailing processes, and corrosion protection (which generates high levels of VOCs and fumes) all contribute to significant carbon emissions.
Moreover, these cars require high-quality rubber tires and polish, all of which leave a more substantial carbon footprint compared to regular cars.
Impacts of SUVs and Luxury Cars on the Environment:
High Carbon Footprint: According to 2020 reports, luxury cars have a larger carbon footprint than standard cars. While the design and finish of these vehicles are crucial to manufacturers, environmental benefits are not prioritized.
For instance, average petrol-powered luxury cars emit approximately 325 grams of CO2 per kilometer, while diesel-powered cars release 211 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
Furthermore, vehicles used in sports, such as Formula 1 racing, focus on speed and design, which leads to a high demand for chemicals in the paint and fuel, all of which generate significant CO2 emissions and harmful VOCs.
Lower Fuel Efficiency: Due to their large size and heavy batteries, SUVs and luxury cars require more energy to operate.
The heavier a vehicle, the more fuel or energy it needs to move. This leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter, and soot formation.
Resource Utilization: Larger vehicles like supercars, luxury cars, and SUVs demand more resources to manufacture than smaller, standard cars.
The additional 200 kg of metal, plastic, and seating materials not only increases fuel consumption but also intensifies the resource utilization due to energy-intensive production processes.
Expensive metals, commonly used in these vehicles, are produced through energy-intensive methods, which further degrade the environment and contribute to climate change.
The environmental impact continues after purchase, as these vehicles remain inefficient in terms of fuel consumption.
Changes in the Automobile Industry in Response to Climate Change:
The automobile industry has been attempting to adopt more eco-friendly practices, such as using vegan leather instead of animal leather for interiors and utilizing less chemical-intensive polish.
Significant innovation has occurred in adopting a circular economy, responsible design, and hybrid technology (combining electric and gasoline engines) to make cars more efficient and reduce fuel consumption.
However, much work remains to be done, particularly in the post-sale phase and throughout the supply chain.
The negative impacts outlined above have raised concerns within the automobile sector, especially given the increasing urgency to address climate change and reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, for which cars are a primary source.
While some advocate for a complete switch to electric vehicles, this remains an unfeasible option worldwide due to technological limitations.
To address these concerns, some luxury brands have begun offering eco-friendly models. For example, the Porsche 918 Spyder is a car designed to provide both speed and style while considering environmental responsibility.
Limited to just 918 units, this car has fewer parts than the typical 15,000 in a luxury or supercar.
Its design is more resource-efficient, and it consumes just 3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers a remarkable achievement considering the high-speed capabilities it retains compared to other sports cars.
Ultimately, luxury cars remain exclusive to those who can afford them. Therefore, the focus should be on improving electric cars and vehicles powered by other renewable energy sources, making them long-lasting and viable for the general public.
It is essential to understand what does and does not work in the fight to save the environment. Luxury cars are designed primarily for luxury and do not serve practical purposes for the average person.
However, their emissions are among the highest of all privately owned vehicles. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize greenwashing in the luxury car and SUV markets, where actions often fail to produce significant results for the environment.
