Environmental impact and consequences of EU car fleet development

Abstract

This study analyzes the environmental impact of the EU car fleet and investigates the relationship between its age structure, motorization rate, the share of hybrid and electric vehicles, and carbon emission levels, considering both overall trends and regional variations based on population income. The methodology employed descriptive, comparative, and correlational analyses using recent data from European statistical and institutional sources. The findings indicate that despite the growing adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles (AFVs), the EU car fleet continues to age, and emissions show only a negligible reduction. Significant regional disparities were identified, with wealthier nations maintaining younger, more environmentally sustainable vehicle fleets. Furthermore, air pollution measured by carbon dioxide emissions was positively correlated with vehicle age and negatively correlated with both the share of AFVs and the proportion of newly registered vehicles. The research highlights the tension between the objectives of the circular economy and the crucial need for accelerated fleet modernization, proposing directions for advancing sustainable mobility and environmentally responsible consumer behavior.