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Jun 6, 2015

FUEL EFFICIENCY OF TRUCKS WORLDWIDE * USA: Comparison using computer simulations to certify it

* DC - The fuel efficiency of trucks

... This line of work that compares HDV fleets and regulations across regions, this time we present some research comparing the US and the EU approaches on the rather specific topic of whole-vehicle simulation of heavy-duty vehicle efficiency. We recently released a white paper that explores the differences between the software tools used to simulate heavy-duty vehicle CO2 emissions and fuel consumption in the EU (VECTO 2.0.3, in beta and not yet publicly distributed) and the US (GEM 2.0, already use as part of US Phase 1 regulations). These tools are developed by regulators for the certification of the CO2 emissions/fuel efficiency of trucks. We view this white paper as an opportunity to start a dialogue within the regulatory and scientific community about the role of simulation in HDV regulations, and to identify opportunities for alignment and harmonization across different regions. Mind you, this is not always an apples-to-apples comparison, but we found that both simulation models performed as they were intended, and that they provide comparable results provided that the relevant input parameters are aligned (Figure 1)... The simulation tools used in regulatory environments are simpler than the proprietary tools that OEMs have been using for development, but they are being further developed (sometimes in collaboration with OEMs) to include more technologies with fuel-saving potential (e.g., advanced transmissions or intelligent management of auxiliaries). Our colleagues at EPA (who are working on a new version of GEM as we write this) and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre know very well about this. The final equilibrium point between simplicity and comprehensiveness is still uncertain: regulators favor transparency and simplicity (because they want to make sure they control the operation of their tools), but OEMs require more sophisticated models to be able to demonstrate the benefits of advanced control systems and powertrain configurations (for example hybrid vehicles, which are not fully covered by simple models such as GEM or VECTO)... Also, China, the EU and the US are developing their own tools even though a global, harmonized tool for HDV efficiency simulations would highly desirable, because it would improve the quality and comparability of data and reduce costs for both regulators and manufacturers. All in all, the hurdles to harmonization are less technical than they are political and administrative—intellectual property rights, data ownership and confidentiality issues. A stepping stone to a full globally harmonized tool would be for countries to align their tools around a set of mutually agreed upon best practices... 
Washington, DC, USA - The ICCT, by Vicente Franco - 4 June 2015

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