Study: Diesel vans emissions 6 times higher than EU standards

Delivery vans that run on Diesel emit an average of 6 times more nitrogen oxide than the European limit of 280 milligrams per kilometer, according to a study by research institute TNO, the Volkskrant reports.

Vans used to deliver packages and supply stores in particular scored badly.

According to the newspaper, the Mercedes Sprinter Euro IV is the only van that remained within the limit. The Opel Vivaro, other Mercedes Sprinter's and Renault Traffic scored the worst. The Volkswagen Caddy and Peugeot Boxer also emitted more than the limit.

The research institute tested the vans on the road, instead of on a dynamometer, and believes the results are realistic. Each van was driven for an average of 600 kilometers while mobile measuring equipment captured a wide range of data. TNO did not give an explanation for the higher results on the roads than the results the respective companies got on their dynamometer tests.

The manufacturers reject these test results, according to broadcaster NOS. They claim the tets does not comply with European rules and that the vans scored poorly because of high mileage or modifications to the bodywork.