Over the last two decades, the personal mobility sector has undergone a radical transformation. Cleaner powertrains, stricter emissions standards, and the proliferation of hybrid and electric vehicles have redefined what it means to drive sustainably.
Yet, behind the apparent progress lies a paradox: while cars have become more energy-efficient, they have also become significantly larger and heavier, introducing new environmental challenges, some of which remain largely unaddressed.
The Super-Sizing of the Family Car
Modern family cars are bigger and bulkier than ever before. Take the Volkswagen Golf, for example. In 2003, the Mk5 Golf measured 4.2 meters long and weighed around 1,200 kg. Fast forward to the 2020 Mk8 Golf, and its length has increased to 4.3 meters with a curb weight that can easily exceed 1,400 kg depending on the variant. A more striking example is the Honda CR-V. The 2004 model weighed roughly 1,500 kg, while the 2023 model tips the scales at over 1,700 kg, with a bulkier frame and a longer wheelbase.
The most significant size inflation, however, is seen in crossover SUVs, which have replaced traditional sedans and hatchbacks as the default family car. The Toyota RAV4, once a compact SUV, now stretches over 4.6 meters and weighs more than 1,600 kg in its hybrid variants. This “bigger is better” trend has pushed automakers to prioritise interior space, road presence, and perceived safety, often at the cost of sustainability.
Efficiency Gains Undermined by Mass and Materials
While engines and drivetrains have improved, thanks to downsizing, turbocharging, and electrification, the growing size of vehicles often negates these gains. More mass requires more energy to move, whether that energy comes from petrol, diesel, or electricity. Larger vehicles also demand more raw materials: more steel, more aluminum, more plastics, and critically, larger tyres.
And tyres are where sustainability efforts have largely stalled.
Tyres: The Silent Polluters
Tyres are one of the least-discussed pollutants in the transport sector. As vehicles increase in weight and tyre sizes grow to match (both in width and diameter), tyre wear has become a growing source of environmental concern. According to a report from Emissions Analytics, a single car can emit 1,000 times more particulate pollution from tyre wear than from its exhaust pipe, especially under aggressive driving or in heavier vehicles.
These particulates, comprised of synthetic rubber, heavy metals, and microplastics, enter waterways and ecosystems through runoff and can even become airborne. Research from Imperial College London has shown that tyre-derived particles can enter the food chain, accumulating in fish and ultimately reaching human consumers. Unlike exhaust emissions, these pollutants are unregulated.
Increased vehicle size also means larger, wider tyres—often performance-oriented for aesthetics rather than necessity. For instance, older versions of the Ford Mondeo or BMW 3 Series came with tyres between 195mm to 205mm wide. Today, similar class vehicles, including electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y or plug-in hybrids like the BMW X5 xDrive45e, routinely feature tyres that are 235mm to 275mm wide, increasing contact with the road and therefore accelerating wear.
The Electric Vehicle Blind Spot
Electric vehicles (EVs), while lauded for zero tailpipe emissions, are often heavier than their internal combustion counterparts due to large battery packs. A Hyundai Ioniq 5, for instance, weighs over 2,000 kg, more than a Range Rover did two decades ago. This weight translates into more stress on tyres and more wear-pollution. Studies have shown that EVs, especially SUVs, can produce 5–20% more tyre particulate emissions than lighter petrol or diesel cars, despite having zero exhaust.
Toward a More Holistic View of Sustainability
Efforts in sustainable mobility must evolve beyond tailpipe emissions and energy sources. They must account for the entire lifecycle and use-phase impacts of vehicles, including the environmental toll of tyres and materials. Regulatory frameworks such as the EU’s Euro 7 standards begin to touch on non-exhaust emissions, but more specific legislation is needed to address tyre composition, wear rates, and labelling.
Automakers and consumers alike need to be more conscious of the downsides of vehicle bloat. Lightweighting strategies, material innovation (such as bio-based rubbers), and more stringent tyre regulations must complement electrification if we’re to drive towards genuine sustainability.
Final Thoughts
The road to sustainable mobility is more than a matter of switching fuel sources. The increasing size and weight of the average family car have introduced environmental costs that often escape public scrutiny. As we embrace electric powertrains and aim for carbon neutrality, we must also scrutinise the less visible aspects of personal mobility, like tyre wear, before we can truly say we’re driving green.
The post Sustainable Mobility or a Heavier Footprint? The Hidden Costs of the Modern Family Car first appeared on Haush.