Australia has fallen behind the rest of the world when it comes to vehicle standard regulations, which is having a profoundly negative effect on carbon emission levels.

With vehicle standards tightening across the globe as countries look to phase out traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in favour of electric and hybrids, Australia has been slow to implement these tougher regulations.

As a result, electric and hybrid vehicle sales have largely failed to take off, with many manufacturers refusing to import new electric and hybrid models in favour of older ICE models.

Many manufacturers are also taking advantage of Australia’s lax vehicle regulations, importing vehicles that they can not sell in international markets with stricter vehicle standards.

A recent report released by the Department of the Environment has revealed that this importing may still be happening, with many manufacturers allegedly importing vehicles into Australia that release highly potent gases into the atmosphere.

HFC-134a is a greenhouse gas that is more than 1400 more harmful than carbon dioxide. Commonly found in vehicles manufactured from the 1990’s on, the gas is a refrigerant used in the air conditioning system of many vehicles.

The gas has been banned in Europe and the US, with a cleaner alternative named HFO-1234yf now available.

However, rather than following the lead of other regions, Australia has so far relied on the initiative of manufacturers to make the change to the cleaner alternative gas, which has largely failed to happen.

The cost difference between the two refrigerants is being blamed for the lack of change.

“At this point in time the cost of the HFO refrigerant system is higher than HFC-134a system,” the report read.

“Auto makers appear content to continue to supply models with older generations of refrigerants to any markets that permit HFCs, while making HFO charged models available where they are required to by law.”

Until tougher regulations are put in place to stop vehicles being imported with this dangerous gas in Australia, it is likely that the status quo will remain.

“It is only a matter of time before the Australian fleet starts to see HFO charged systems in new vehicle sales. However, because existing production lines for HFC-charged air-con is clearly still profitable, global vehicle manufacturers are also likely to continue to manufacture and supply HFC charged systems, for as long as regulation allows.”

Original source: whichcar | How your car’s aircon is killing the environment