Rising SUV Size Spurs New Policies to Curb Emissions and Road Impact in Europe
SUVs and larger cars have become increasingly common in the UK and Europe, with the average new-car width growing from 182 cm in 2018 to 187.5 cm, and average weight rising from 1,365 kg to 1,592 kg.
Europe's SUV market share has surged from 13.2% in 2011 to a projected 59% by 2025. This increase has prompted several policy responses to address environmental and safety concerns.
For example, Paris introduced on-street parking charge increases in October 2024 for very heavy vehicles, tripling fees for one-hour and six-hour parking to curb big cars and emissions. This measure initially led to a two-thirds reduction in heavy cars parking on city streets. Similarly, Cardiff council in the UK raised parking permit costs for cars weighing over 2,400 kg, planning to lower this weight threshold over time to further reduce emissions and road wear.
Critics highlight that bigger cars reduce space on crowded roads and raise safety risks for pedestrians and cyclists, due in part to higher bonnet heights which studies show increase fatality risk by about 27%. Additionally, blind spots in larger vehicles can endanger vulnerable road users.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), heavier and less efficient SUVs emit around 20% more CO2 per vehicle, which may offset gains from electrification. Nevertheless, 40% of SUVs are zero-emission models per the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), and SUV CO2 emissions have halved since 2000.
Carmakers favor bigger cars because they provide higher profit margins, often sharing platforms with smaller models while enabling premium pricing.
In France, weight-based penalties target heavy cars with fees from €10 per extra kilogram above 1,600 kg to €30 per kilogram above 2,100 kg, potentially totaling about €70,000 in addition to emissions charges. Transport & Environment urges the UK to adopt a similar levy.
To offer alternatives, small city cars and small electric vehicles such as the BYD Dolphin Surf, Leapmotor T03, Hyundai Inster, Renault 5, Kia EV2, and VW ID Polo have emerged in the market.
