Supporting fuel efficiency standards

Eaton has announced its support of new deadlines on US fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards for medium and heavy duty vehicles, including 18 wheelers, sanitation trucks, buses and other large vehicles, as it works to inform regulators as they develop national fuel saving rules.

Presidential Memorandum

President Obama’s announcement made on 18^th February calls for the next round of rules, which covers vehicles beyond model year 2018 and makes further cuts in fuel use and GHG gases, to be completed by the first quarter of 2016. Under the Presidential Memorandum, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transport now have a timetable in which to achieve new savings. In 2012 under Phase 1 efforts, fuel efficiency gains and truck emissions reductions of 20% were achieved which exceeded the original goal of a 15% reduction for each by 2020.

The Phase II rules will likely cover the trailer element of tractor trailers, setting standards designed to ensure that trailers contribute to better gas mileage and cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. With its portfolio of cost effective hybrid and advanced drivetrain technologies, Eaton is providing customers with solutions that make vehicles more efficient while providing significant operational savings for its customers’ commercial vehicle fleets.

From the EPA

The EPA says that heavy duty vehicles are the transportation sector’s second largest contributor to oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. EPA estimates that Phase I will result in a net savings of US$ 42 billion in fuel costs, even when the costs of compliance and new technologies are taken into account.

Comments

Ken Davis, president, Eaton Vehicle Group said, ‘today’s technology is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, making the opportunity to deliver substantial reductions in GHG gas and fuel consumption a truly achievable objective. These goals and the ultimate outcomes from Phase II Can be accomplished without compromising vehicle performance or inhibiting the choices the market or fleet customers have, given the wide array of current and future technologies available today and tomorrow. As a power management company, Eaton looks forward to continuing to work closely with the US regulatory agencies to develop a successful Phase II program. 

Adapted from a press release by Claira Lloyd.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/20022014/fuel_efficiency_support172/