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Transport VKT
Type of fuel used (vehicle kilometres travelled by fuel type)
The types of fuel used by vehicles travelling on New Zealand roads have important implications for air quality. Diesel vehicle exhausts can contain particulates, which aggravate respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis. Petrol-powered vehicles usually produce fewer particulates, but higher levels of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen, which can cause eye and throat irritation, dizziness and headaches.
The level of air pollutants emitted by a vehicle depends on a number of factors, including the type and blend of fuel, how well the vehicle is tuned and maintained, its exhaust emissions control technology, the size and age of the engine and driver behaviour.
On 1 January 2006, the sulphur content in diesel in New Zealand was reduced from 500 parts per million (ppm) to 50 ppm. It was further reduced to less than 10 ppm, essentially zero-sulphur diesel, on 1 January 2009. It is recognised worldwide that such a reduction results in a significant reduction in particulate emissions both by reducing the emissions from existing vehicles and by allowing the introduction of low emission vehicles.
Current situation
In 2007, three-quarters of total kilometres travelled were completed by petrol-powered vehicles. Light passenger vehicles were responsible for most of the petrol travel, with light commercial vehicles and motor cycles making up the remainder. The light fleet also dominated the diesel travel, contributing 18 per cent of total vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT), while together, trucks and buses were responsible for 8 per cent.
VKT by vehicle type and fuel type in New Zealand, 2007
View data (including text description) for above graph
Data source: Ministry of Transport.
Trend
Between 2001 and 2007, the number of diesel vehicles grew by 45 per cent, compared to an increase of 18 per cent in the overall vehicle fleet. There was a 31 per cent increase in total diesel travel between 2001 and 2007. During the same period, petrol travel has increased by just below 7 per cent.
Between 2006 and 2007, kilometres travelled by diesel vehicles increased by 4 per cent, while kilometres travelled by petrol vehicles increased by 2 per cent. Consequently, the proportion of total kilometres travelled by diesel-powered vehicles is also increasing. In 2001, diesel travel made up 22 per cent of total kilometres travelled. By 2007, this had risen to 26 per cent.
A high proportion of diesel travel in New Zealand is undertaken by older vehicles, with most falling into the 8- to 12-year age bracket. These older vehicles are more likely to emit higher levels of particulates.
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From an environmental and health perspective, the increasing size and age of the diesel fleet has a number of implications for New Zealand.
International comparison
The trend towards an increasing proportion of diesel-powered vehicles can be seen worldwide. In 2007, four European countries had more than 50 per cent diesel vehicles in their passenger fleets. This trend can also be seen in Australia.
In 2007, the proportion of diesel vehicles in New Zealand was 18 per cent, significantly higher than the 11 per cent reported for Australia. The difference is largely due to the different compositions of the light fleet – 15 per cent diesel in New Zealand and 8 per cent diesel in Australia.
Between 2003 and 2007, the proportion of diesel vehicles increased by 2 per cent in both Australia and New Zealand, suggesting that diesel vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in both countries.
Proportion of diesel-powered vehicles in New Zealand and Australia
View data (text description) for above graph
Data sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics and Ministry of Transport.
What can you do?
- Buying a new car or late-model car? Compare the environmental and fuel performance at www.rightcar.govt.nz and look for the vehicle's fuel economy label. The more stars, the more you will save on fuel and the lower your emissions.
- Inflating your tyres correctly will use up to 5 per cent less fuel.
- Taking public transport and sharing car trips can save you money on fuel and reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.
This information has come from the environmental report card on vehicle kilometres travelled by road.
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Last updated: March 2009
