EPA plans more real-world emissions tests in light of VW's cheating
Car makers like Volkswagen should have an even tougher time cheating on emissions tests than they first thought. The Environmental Protection Agency has revealed that it'll include considerably more real-world diesel emissions tests as part of its improved inspections. The on-the-road testing isn't as sophisticated as what you'd find in the lab, but it should reduces the chances that companies will fudge results. Moreover, vendors won't get a chance at optimizing for the EPA's new tests -- it's keeping its exact methodology a secret.
This new approach will only be so effective. European standards are looser (automakers can use optimized, pre-production models), and there's pressure to lighten planned reforms. However, this could still do a lot to keep diesel designers honest. Unless they're willing to forego the US market entirely, they'll have to avoid defeat devices and anything else that wouldn't work on the street.
[Image credit: John MacDougall/AFP/Getty Images]
