What were the effects of Dieselgate?

Diesle gate was one of the most shocking events in the history of the automobile manufacturing industry - but what has happened as a result?

The Dieselgate scandal, which erupted in 2015, exposed a massive fraud committed by Volkswagen (VW) and other automakers in manipulating emissions tests for diesel vehicles.

The revelation that some companied had installed software to cheat emissions testing on approximately 11 million vehicles worldwide sent shockwaves through the automotive industry, regulators, and the public.

It's a complicated and fascinating story that we've covered before in detail. But almost two decades after the fact, what have the consequences been, exactly?

Well, it turns out that the consequences of this scandal have been far-reaching, affecting environmental policy, corporate accountability, consumer trust, and the broader transition to sustainable transport. You may be suprised to find out just how much this event has shaped so much of our response to climate change so far.

Looking back, we might be able to trace a whole bunch of seemingly disparate trends in our modern economy to Dieselgate - so, let's take a look at where we are in 2025.

What Was the Dieselgate Scandal?

The "Dieselgate" scandal, also known as "Emissionsgate," refers to a widespread controversy surrounding the illegal use of software in certain diesel vehicles manufactured by Volkswagen Group (VW)... Read More

How have pre-Dieselgate cars impacted the environment?

One of the most significant consequences of Dieselgate was its exposure of the environmental cost of manipulated emissions testing.

The affected diesel vehicles were emitting nitrogen oxides (NOx) at levels far above legal limits—up to 40 times more in some cases. NOx is a major contributor to air pollution, leading to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and premature deaths.

Studies have estimated that the excess emissions from Dieselgate-related vehicles were responsible for thousands of premature deaths worldwide.¹ This scandal highlighted the real-world gap between official emissions testing results and actual on-road emissions.

Have pre-Dieselgate cars accelerated climate change?

Research has explored the effects of Dieselgate on climate change. While NOx emissions primarily affect air quality and human health, they also play a role in atmospheric chemistry.

A 2018 study found that non-compliant diesel vehicles had a short-term warming impact due to increased NOx emissions.² However, in the mid-term, the excess NOx contributed to the breakdown of methane (a potent greenhouse gas), leading to a partial offset of this warming effect.

While the direct impact of Dieselgate on climate change remains debated, the scandal indirectly influenced climate policies by accelerating the shift away from diesel vehicles and encouraging the adoption of electric alternatives. Automakers increased their investments in electric vehicles, which is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the long run.

How has regulation changed after Dieselgate?

In response to Dieselgate, governments and regulators globally have implemented stricter emissions testing and oversight measures.

The European Union introduced the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) and Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing, which require vehicles to meet emissions standards under real-world conditions rather than just in laboratory settings.

In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) increased scrutiny on automakers, leading to higher penalties for non-compliance.

Additionally, Dieselgate accelerated policy shifts away from diesel vehicles. Many European cities implemented low-emission zones and restrictions on diesel cars, while national governments offered incentives to phase out diesel in favor of electric and hybrid alternatives.

The scandal significantly tarnished diesel’s reputation as a "clean" alternative to gasoline, hastening its decline.

Did Dieselgate lead to any significant legal consequences?

Legal proceedings related to Dieselgate continue to this day, with various lawsuits, criminal charges, and class-action settlements.

Some companies admitted to deliberately deceiving regulators, which set a precedent for corporate accountability in emissions fraud cases. The scandal also sparked discussions on corporate ethics, transparency, and the limits of self-regulation in industries with significant environmental impact.

Has Dieselgate encouraged production of EVs?

Paradoxically, Dieselgate may have contributed to the acceleration of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution.

Facing declining diesel sales and increasing regulatory scrutiny, many automakers have pivoted toward electric mobility. VW announced an ambitious EV strategy, committing billions to battery development and electrification. Other manufacturers followed suit, investing heavily in clean energy technologies as consumer demand shifted towards environmentally friendly options.

The Dieselgate scandal was a watershed moment for the automotive industry, exposing the depths of emissions fraud and its devastating consequences.

While it resulted in financial, legal, and reputational damage for Volkswagen and other automakers, it also spurred much-needed reforms in emissions testing and corporate governance.

When we look back, we might be able to say that the scandal accelerated the decline of diesel vehicles and contributed to the broader push toward electrification, ultimately reshaping the future of transportation and environmental policy.

¹ Impact of excess NOx emissions from diesel cars on air quality, public health and eutrophication in Europe. Jonson et al. Environmental Research Letters. 2017.

² Climate effects of non-compliant Volkswagen diesel cars. Tanaka et al. Environmental Research Letters. 2018.