Brussels is preparing a major reform that will rank electric cars and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) on an energy efficiency scale, just like refrigerators or washing machines in the local appliance store. The new color-coded labeling system from “A” to “F” promises to bring ruthless clarity to exactly how much electricity your car “sucks up.”
The concept is extremely transparent: the most modest and economical models will be adorned with the prestigious “A” class, while energy-hungry “gluttons” will be marked with the letter “F”. Although the final parameters are still being smooth out, preliminary plans foresee the highest distinction for machines with consumption below 14 kWh per 100 km. Each subsequent step up in consumption will move the car down one level in the alphabetical order. This will allow buyers to easily compare the real-world efficiency between a compact city car and a huge electric SUV, whose appetite is often hidden behind marketing slogans.
Currently, CO2 emissions data are leading, but for electric cars they say practically nothing about the real consumption of resources. However, the new regulation is not only informative - it also hides a serious financial incentive (or penalty). The level of energy efficiency is likely to become a cornerstone for calculating local taxes and fees. It is expected that the current full tax breaks will be revised, with less efficient models having to pay a higher price for their weight and power.
It is important to note that these rules will not only apply to the flashy new cars in showrooms. The system will also cover the used car market, as well as commercial transport. Every second-hand car seller will be required to download the relevant label from a centralized database and present it to the future owner. In this way, Europe tightens the noose around energy transparency, making economy a major factor when choosing our next car.