16.2 Truck Efficiency Program

Reduce vehicle emissions by improving operating efficiency.

Description

Truck efficiency program such as SmartWay Transport Partnership (SmartWay), established by EPA in 2004, is a voluntary, public-private partnership with the ground freight industry. Truck and rail freight are integral to the nation’s economy; however, heavy-duty diesel vehicles are major consumers of fossil fuels and major contributors to air pollution. Truck efficiency programs promote a variety of strategies designed to reduce energy consumption and vehicle emissions that also lead to a reduction in costs for freight operators. Improvements in fuel efficiency will be directly proportional to reduced fuel use and emissions.

The primary attraction of this measure to the regulated community is that it provides emission reduction benefits while also providing a cost savings through reduction in motor fuel consumption.

Application

Individuals or fleet companies with significant fleets of heavy-duty vehicles.

$$\text{Daily Emission Reduction (grams/day)} = \sum_{i= 1}^{n}{[N_{\mathit{Vi}} \times P_{\mathit{Ri}} \times \mathit{EF} \times \mathit{TL}_{D}]}$$

Reduction in auto running exhaust emissions, where percentage reduction of emissions varies with the kit(s) installed on the truck

Variables	(Unit)	Definitions
$\mathit{EF}$	(grams/mile)	Truck exhaust emission factor based on average daily speed (NOX, VOC, PM, or CO)
$N_{\mathit{Vi}}$		Number of vehicles adopting individual operating efficiency improving technologies
$P_{\mathit{Ri}}$	(percent)	Percent reduction in emissions after adopting individual operating efficiency improving technologies
$\mathit{TL}_{D}$	(mile)	Average daily truck travel

Source: Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Note: SmartWay Tractors and Trailers meet voluntary equipment specifications that can reduce fuel consumption by 10 to 20 percent for 2007 and newer long-haul tractors and trailers. http://arlnetwork.com/smartway.php