Cost effectiveness of introducing a new European evaporative emissions test procedure for petrol vehicles

Evaporative emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) arise from the vehicle’s fuel system due to changes in ambient and vehicle temperatures, and contribute to urban smog. This paper presents an economic analysis of the societal costs and benefits of implementing a revised European evaporative emission test procedure for petrol vehicles under four scenarios for the period 2015–2040. The paper concludes that the most cost-effective option is the implementation of an aggressive purging strategy over 48 h and improved canister durability (scenario 2+). The average net benefit of implementing this scenario is €146,709,441 at a 6% discount rate. Per vehicle benefits range from €6–9 but when fuel savings benefits are added, total benefits range from €13–18. This is compared to average additional cost per vehicle of €9.