Look I know we’re in 2021 and everything appears to be strange. From the outbreak to the response to the pandemic, I believe we can all agree that life is different now. What isn’t different is VW getting caught in a scandal involving EU emission laws.

No this isn’t ground hog day, that’s right. The makers of the people’s car have been accused of using software that tells the vehicle to alter various parameters based on external variables.

According to the EU Observer, back in September; a lawyer tested the software and discovered how the device works. The nitrogen oxide from the exhaust gasses would be recirculated through a purification valve, and if the temperature is below 15 degrees C or above 33 degrees C, and if the altitude is above 1000 meters, the purification device is deactivated.

The problem with this is more NOx is released into the atmosphere. More than what the EU allows. And another issue pointed out by advocate general, Athanasios Rantos, is that in typical real world conditions, the device works outside those defined parameters. Rantos argued that the average temperatures in Germany and Austria fall below 15 degrees C. And there are motorists that surpass the 1000 meter altitude threshold.

VW’s explanation for the device shutting down is for it to prevent the engine from unforeseen breakdowns and to mitigate risk of further damage.

Rantos does not buy VW’s explanation and believes that it is a defeat device. He states that the device doesn’t protect the engine, but rather that it prevents damage to the car’s components.

The implications of diesel-gate are still being felt today and VW has worked really hard to mitigate the damage caused by the 2015 scandal. I’m sitting here and wondering what’s going to unfold next. Could the European court make a ruling that might have worse consequences?

The models that are said to have this device have not been named yet. The ruling by the EU will be given in a few months.