The New South Wales government has launched a new Vehicle Emissions Star Rating (VESR) website where buyers of new and used cars can compare the emissions intensity of various vehicle models.
The new website, www.vesr.gov.au covers 16,000 different models and variants dating back to 2004. The number of stars is proportional to the amount of grams of CO2 per kilometre driven for each vehicle model. Electric vehicles with zero emissions are given a 6-star rating.
“The CO2 emissions of each vehicle are reported by manufacturers to the Australian Government. Stars are allocated in half star increments based on how many grams of CO2 the vehicle emits, per kilometre of travel.” states the VESR website.
A 2020 Toyota Hilux that has tailpipe emissions of 182 g/km of CO2 gets two stars out of six. Annual fuel costs, based on a diesel price of $2.00 per litre and 14,000 km of driving per year come to $1,932 for the Hilux.
A 2003 Toyota Camry rates even lower than a Hilux at just 1.5 stars and 209 g/km of CO2. The 21 year old Camry costs $2,464 a year in petrol costs.
A 2024 Tesla Model Y with zero emissions gets a six star rating and has annual electricity costs of $755 based on $0.35 per kWh.
The website also allows car buyers to compare models side-by-side to get a clear picture of emissions and annual fuel/electricity costs.
The site’s calculator is fully customisable. Buyers can adjust the petrol, diesel and electricity prices as well as the annual distance driven.
The site also includes information on vehicle emissions, how different vehicles are powered, and how driving style and maintenance may reduce emissions. Locations of charging infrastructure, battery recycling and the differences between electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles are also included.
“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.” said NSW minister for climate change and energy Penny Sharpe.
“This is both good for their hip pocket, and good for the environment.”
“Battery EVs are the cleanest light vehicles, receiving a six-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.”
Daniel Bleakley is a clean technology researcher and advocate with a background in engineering and business. He has a strong interest in electric vehicles, renewable energy, manufacturing and public policy.