From the beginning of July, the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and fuel consumption of heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) must be declared in connection with type-approval. The purpose of the new practice is to help transport operators compare vehicles and choose ones that produce lower emissions and consume less fuel. The emissions declared can be verified with the VECTO simulation tool.
The fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of heavy vehicle combinations depend on the amount of kilometres driven, the required body and equipment, driving conditions, the technical features of the vehicle and driving behaviour.
According to Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2400, CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of new HDVs must be declared in connection with their type-approval. Off-road lorries (category G), however, are exempt from the requirement of determining CO2 emission levels.
The first phase of the Regulation enters into force 1 July 2019, and it mainly applies to lorries weighing more than 16 tonnes and equipped with no more than three axles. Only one the axles may be powered. In 2020, the scope of application will be extended to certain heavier lorries.
“The new requirements enable people to compare the CO2 emissions of different HDV models based on criteria laid down by law. The aim is to help transport operators to pay more attention to CO2 emissions and fuel consumption when buying new vehicles and to compare different alternatives. The determination of CO2 values also serves as a basis for the emission targets to be set for vehicle manufacturers,” says Special Adviser Keijo Kuikka.
CO2 emissions verified with VECTO simulation tool
Vehicle manufacturers determine CO2 emissions with a VECTO simulation tool. A recent study published by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom examines how reliably the method can verify the emissions of vehicle combinations commonly used in Finland. The method draws on both measurements and simulation to take into account the impact that the vehicle’s technical features and body have on its emissions and fuel consumption.
According to the Traficom study, fuel consumption values determined with the VECTO tool give a good estimate of actual consumption in good conditions on well-maintained roads.
Enquiries:
Keijo Kuikka, Special Adviser, keijo.kuikka(at)traficom.fi , tel. +358 29 534 5518