Electric hybrid car emits four times more CO₂ than advertised, real-world testing shows

A purportedly eco-friendly hybrid electric car emits four times more greenhouse gas than manufacturers claim, according to a report backed by Australia's motoring heavyweights that opens up a new front in the nation's energy policy tussle.

Michael Bradley from the Australian
Automobile Association, which has
 released a new report into vehicle emissions. 

The report by the Australian Automobile Association, members of which include the NRMA and RACV and RACQ, says real-world testing reveals some new cars are using up to 59 per cent more fuel than advertised. Almost six in 10 exceeded the regulated limit for one or more pollutant in cold-start tests.

The AAA says consumers are being "increasingly ripped off", forking out for vehicle technology that cuts emissions in the laboratory, but not on the road.

It says the findings cast doubt on whether more stringent vehicle emissions laws – a move being considered by the Turnbull government – would reduce pollution and lower fuel use.

Read Nicole Hasham’s story in today’s Melbourne Age - “Electric hybrid car emits four times more CO₂ than advertised, real-world testing shows.”

What a waste: Victoria's rubbish pile projected to hit 20 million tonnes a year

Decaying food that emits greenhouse gases as it rots; shredded old cars and white goods that can't be recycled; vast quantities of construction spoil; discarded televisions and computers that if mishandled could leach harmful chemicals into the environment.

This is the stuff Victoria's mountains of landfill are made of, and it's growing by hundreds of thousands of tonnes a year, mostly at a handful of mega-tips on Melbourne's urban fringe.

Read Adam Carey’s story in today’s Melbourne Age - “What a waste: Victoria's rubbish pile projected to hit 20 million tonnes a year.”