In various regions around the globe, the prevalence of oversized cars has been a longstanding trend. However, these colossal vehicles are now proliferating, and the repercussions are still being unravelled.
Take, for instance, the 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a nine-passenger SUV boasting a length of 225.7 inches (18ft/5.5m) and marketed as "a room with a view." On the electric front, a seven-seat crossover from Kia accommodates an 800-Volt battery weighing around 1,000lb (450kg), while an electric Hummer SUV, including mirrors, spans a maximum width of 93.7in (2.4m).
The surge in the popularity of large cars is evident, with the average car size widening by 1cm (0.4in) every two years, according to Transport and Environment, a non-profit organization. However, this size increase brings along a host of challenges, ranging from environmental impact and safety hazards to the logistical difficulties of manoeuvring these cars in spaces designed for smaller models.
As Paris triples parking fees for SUVs, addressing the challenges posed by large cars becomes imperative. The expansion in car dimensions can be traced back to the late 1970s, driven by factors such as the integration of safety features, consumer demand for luxury vehicles, and the auto industry's promotion of trucks and SUVs over sedans. Amendments in fuel economy regulations, which were more lenient for larger vehicles, also played a role.
Global trends indicate a shift towards larger vehicles, with the average mass of new cars in the EU and the UK reaching 1.457 tonnes in 2020. The impact extends beyond size, influencing oil demand and CO2 emissions, approaching 1 billion tonnes for SUVs alone.
The challenges associated with big cars are multifaceted. A study by Which? in 2023 revealed that 161 car models in the UK were too large for average parking spaces, with 27 being too wide to open doors comfortably. In the EU, the average width of new cars has surpassed 180cm (5.9ft), impacting on-street parking standards.
Transitioning SUVs to electric doesn't offer a complete solution. While it contributes to net-zero emissions, the weight of electric batteries in larger SUVs poses safety risks in accidents. Additionally, the production and demand for electric SUVs contribute to environmental concerns due to raw material extraction and the need for extensive charging infrastructure.
The emphasis on miles per gallon in petrol cars is replaced by kilowatt-hours per 100 miles in electric vehicles. Larger cars demand more kilowatt-hours, impacting energy consumption. Despite the challenges, electric vehicles, including SUVs, are considered a better climate choice overall.
Beyond emissions, the rising road deaths in the US, linked to the growing presence of larger vehicles, highlight safety concerns. High bonnets in newer models pose safety hazards for pedestrians, contributing to an increase in fatalities.
The path forward involves contemplating alternatives and solutions. Some advocate retrofitting streets to accommodate smaller and lighter vehicles, promoting economic incentives for their production. Cities like Brussels are considering restrictions on SUVs, and policymakers in New York propose measures like weight-based registration fees to rein in large cars. Ultimately, cities may find success in encouraging diverse forms of transportation, moving away from a dependency on bigger, faster vehicles.
