Driving Cleaner Future: Vehicle Emissions Star Ratings

The NSW Government has launched a new Vehicle Emissions Star Rating website to help vehicle buyers consider sustainability when making their next vehicle purchase.

Blurred car on icy Kosciuszko Road at Charlotte Pass

A simple 6-star rating system will allow consumers to compare the carbon dioxide emissions of new and second-hand cars, utes and vans. The more stars a vehicle has, the lower the vehicle’s CO2 emissions.

The star rating applies to vehicles right across Australia and was developed in collaboration with the Commonwealth Government and state and territory governments.

The Vehicle Emissions Star Rating website has launched with star ratings for light vehicles dating back to 2004. Consumers will be able to compare their current vehicle’s star rating with more than 16,000 different models and variants.

The website has fully customisable calculators that allow consumers to input the actual price they pay for fuel or electricity, and consider annual costs based on the distances they drive, rather than just being offered information based on averages that may vary widely.

The information on emissions and efficiency is provided in a simple, visual format to help consumers make choices.

It is supported by useful articles and information on vehicle emissions, how different vehicles are powered, and how driving style and maintenance may reduce emissions.

The Vehicle Emissions Star Rating website also provides information on electric vehicles, including locations of charging infrastructure, battery recycling and the differences between electric vehicles , hybrid vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles.

Consumers are encouraged to visit Vehicle Emissions Star Rating

Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe:

“The Vehicle Emissions Star Rating website offers information on emissions and efficiency in a simple format so consumers can choose a new or used car which reduces their emissions.

“This is both good for their hip pocket, and good for the environment.

“Battery EVs are the cleanest light vehicles, receiving a 6-star rating because they do not produce any tailpipe emissions. The NSW Government is supporting their uptake by growing the network of EV chargers across the state.”

/Public Release. View in full here.