CO2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles
11.3.2014
Question for written answer P-002867-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Anne Delvaux (PPE)
In its answer to a previous question on the subject, the Commission admitted that there is a lack of transparency in the heavy-duty vehicles (HDV) market. This makes it impossible for consumers to compare vehicles made by different manufacturers properly on the basis of their emissions.
Unfortunately, the Commission’s decision to use computer-based simulations to measure HDV emissions will not create the desired market transparency. What is more, it will do nothing to encourage research into and the development of innovative engine technologies.
Simulations of this kind generate meaningful results for vehicles with traditional combustion engines, but are unworkable for hybrids: accurately simulating hybrid HDV consumption would require the use of data which manufacturers regard as confidential and protected because disclosing it would serve to reveal their engine management strategy and, thus, their design secrets.
The only way to ensure HDV market transparency whilst protecting manufacturers’ intellectual property rights would be to test each complete vehicle on a roller bench by making it cover a number of simulated standardised routes, as is already done with cars.
This non-intrusive process, which treats the vehicle merely as a consumer of fuel and an emitter of pollutants, would make it possible to compare very different vehicle designs. As a result, consumers would have more accurate information and manufacturers would be given an incentive to develop innovative, better-performing engines.
1. Has the Commission considered this as a possible solution?
2. If so, will it introduce this testing method with a view to enabling consumers to compare vehicle emissions objectively and encouraging innovation?
3. If it has already ruled out this method, can it say why?
OJ C 326, 19/09/2014