NOx Emissions From Cars and Australia’s New Diesel Standards

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) from petrol and especially diesel vehicles contribute to major health risks in Australia, yet most drivers lack information about their car’s NOx output. While CO₂ emissions are publicly available, NOx data is not.

New real-world testing by the Australian Automobile Association on over 100 common models shows that petrol cars generally stayed within the 60 mg/km limit, but most diesel vehicles exceeded their higher thresholds, with average emissions about 40% above legal levels. Although diesel cars represent only around 10% of traffic, they emit far more NOx, contributing to an estimated 1,800 premature deaths each year due to heart and lung diseases.

From December 1, Australia’s updated rules significantly tighten NOx limits for new diesel models. Vehicles without selective catalytic reduction systems won’t meet the new standards, pushing manufacturers to upgrade technology and aligning Australia more closely with global emissions regulations.

03-12-2025