February 19
Emissions Analytics to deliver insight on proposals to lower motorway speed limits
Ideal for understanding the true implication of proposals to cut speed limits on motorways,
and the introduction of 20mph zones in urban areas, the new emissions model from
Emissions Analytics will provide traffic simulation based entirely on real-world test
information.
Constructed using the data from around 400 vehicle tests, covering 90%+ of UK new cars
since 2011, the new traffic simulation system will calculate the effect of speed and
congestion on fuel economy, as well greenhouse gas (CO2) and air pollution (NOx and CO)
components.
The detailed, second-by-second test data collected by Emissions Analytics show how real
world vehicle emissions can deviate, sometimes drastically, from official figures. Existing
simulation models usually underestimate emissions, because they’re not based on data
collected in the field. This new approach from Emissions Analytics will prove a more realistic
and constantly updated simulation - providing a key insight to current proposals, including
the 60mph speed limit on sections of the M1.
Currently under public consultation, the proposals cover the introduction of a maximum
mandatory speed limit of 60mph, to operate at certain times of the day on the M1 between
junctions 28 and 35a. With a view to mitigating poor air quality in the local area, as well as
increasing traffic flow and capacity, the consultation ends at the beginning of March and the
scheme could be operational by 2015
Emissions Analytics’ test data for the top five best selling cars in the UK in 2011 show that a
drop to 60 mph could result in an average increase in fuel economy of 22%, varying
between 15% and 34% depending on the make and model of car. This fall would produce a
corresponding drop in CO2 emissions of 19%, cutting the gaseous tailpipe emissions from
the vehicles that drive that section of the motorway every day.
However, only detailed modelling of the traffic affected by the proposals would show just
how effective the scheme would be. Emissions Analytics founder and CEO, Nick Molden,
explains: “Vehicle behaviour and performance is changing fast, so it is important to have the
most up-to-date dataset. Offsetting the CO2 benefits of lower speed, there may be less
pollution improvement than expected as well as longer journey times.”
As the most experienced provider of on-road test data in the UK, Emissions Analytics holds
the largest database of vehicle emissions and fuel economy data commercially available,
covering over 90% of new car sales in the UK. The addition of particulate matter measurement
to the company’s portfolio provides an even greater insight to real-world vehicle emissions.
The same data is also available commercially for projects such as performance benchmarking,
fleet cost reduction and optimisation of telematics equipment. The company has now
expanded into the USA, operating out of Los Angeles, enabling it to conduct detailed testing
around the world.
About Emissions Analytics
Emissions Analytics provides on-road vehicle emissions measurement and analysis. Its
bespoke services include benchmark tests, product evaluation and real-world running costs.
It measures with precision regulated pollutants, including CO, CO2, NO, NO2, total
hydrocarbons and now particulate matter.
Emissions Analytics’ pioneering role as supplier to What Car’s break-through True MPG
service has seen it test almost all of the top-selling makes and models of passenger car in the
EU, providing consumers with an easy and reliable way to assess real-world fuel economy.
The data shows a growing gap between laboratory and real-road fuel economy figures, with
an average of 25 per cent more CO2 emitted per kilometre than the official figures, which
equates to 20 per cent lower MPG. This leaves car buyers uncertain as to the fuel economy
they will achieve when they leave the showroom and, as trust is eroded, may make them less
likely to buy genuinely low CO2 vehicles in the future.
Emissions Analytics’ test data for the top five best selling cars in the UK in 2011
Make
Model
Fuel
Engine
size
Optimum
speed
Difference in MPG
between 70 mph and 60
mph
Ford
Fiesta
Petrol
1.25
45
23%
Ford
Fiesta
Diesel
1.6
46
20%
Ford
Focus
Petrol
1.6
50
15%
Ford
Focus
Diesel
1.6
42
22%
Vauxhall
Astra
Petrol
1.6
46
22%
Vauxhall
Astra
Diesel
1.7
45
25%
Vauxhall
Corsa
Petrol
1.2
48
19%
Vauxhall
Corsa
Diesel
1.3
43
34%
Volkswagen Golf
Petrol
1.4
45
22%
Volkswagen Golf
Diesel
1.6
47
15%
As experts in vehicle emissions and fuel consumption, Emissions Analytics supports a range
of commercial and publicly-funded organisations. It is currently in partnership with Imperial
College, London, studying urban emissions for transport planning and policy. It is also a
consortium member in the Howard Tenens-led Low Carbon Truck Demonstration Trial.
For more information please contact Matt Sanger at Automotive PR 020 7952 1079 or
[email protected].
Picture credit: The M42 motorway - view taken from the bridge (leading to the NEC) just
East of the M42/A45 intersection, West Midlands, England. Author: Snowmanradio