Deutsche Umwelthilfe criticizes carmakers over refrigerant use

The environmental organization Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has issued a sharp critique of the automotive industry regarding the use of the refrigerant 1234yf in vehicle air conditioning systems. According to the DUH, this substance breaks down in the atmosphere into trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a persistent chemical that can accumulate in water resources and pose risks to human health.

Following an inquiry sent to 16 major car manufacturers, the DUH issued 14 red cards due to a lack of transparency or concrete exit plans. Ten manufacturers reportedly did not respond at all, while four provided only non-committal answers. For instance, BMW stated it would only consider a transition if legal requirements change, while other companies cited ongoing technical developments or future regulations without providing specific timelines.

The DUH is calling for an immediate shift to PFAS-free alternatives, such as CO2 or propane. While no manufacturers received a green card, Volkswagen and BYD were issued yellow cards for demonstrating initial steps toward adopting natural refrigerants.