Toward a Direct CO 2 Tax for the Brazilian LDV Fleet

Rafael Fernandes Mosquim, Flávia Mendes de Almeida Collaço and Carlos Eduardo Keutenedjian Mady ()
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Rafael Fernandes Mosquim: School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
Flávia Mendes de Almeida Collaço: Faculty of Economics, Administration and Accounting, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60355-636, Brazil
Carlos Eduardo Keutenedjian Mady: Institute of Energy and Environment of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-24

Abstract: Policies for reducing the environmental impact of light-duty vehicles are restarting in Brazil. While electrification attracts more engagement than other forms of carbon footprint reduction, the use of ethanol could achieve faster gains with the existing infrastructure. The prominence of entry-level cars has reduced, which may be due to several factors, making these vehicles uneconomical for manufacturers to produce. This situation is different from those in other countries. It is our premise that other modes, such as walking, cycling, and public transportation, are the main methods of decarbonization. However, most need improvements in terms of security and attractiveness for consumers. Hence, the internal combustion engine will dominate the Brazilian fleet for quite some time. This article discusses the policies used to incentivize the implementation of entry-level vehicles in contrast with electric vehicles based on regression models of the Brazilian fleet. By providing a history of the 1.0 L engine in Brazil, this article debates replacing the indirect displacement taxation with direct CO 2 taxation, which can make the Brazilian entry-level car practical again, with the possibility of adopting some incentives. This logic will cause a fleet renovation and more rational energy use. The distinguishing feature of this article is the proposition of possible public policies based on a regression model of the national fleet. The key findings show that the fleet is getting older and heavier, consuming more energy, and emitting greater amounts of CO 2 per unit of displacement, for example, 1.0 L. Furthermore, the carbon footprint of the electricity mix is similar to that of the produced ethanol (from well to wheel, the carbon footprint is the same). This highlights the necessity for national policy adjustments and effective public policies to reduce carbon emissions from the energy sector for small vehicles.

Keywords: performance; transportation; sustainability; public policies; SDG13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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