Programme looks to reduce carbon emissions of tractors

The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) is working on one of Europe’s largest HDV efficiency programmes and wants the help of manufacturers, SMEs and academics to do so. Heavy-duty vehicles include large commercial vehicles, such as diggers, tractors, trucks and ships.

Programme criteria
The ETI programme is made up of three requests for proposals to increase the efficiencies of shipping, construction and agricultural equipment by 30 per cent.

The programme will focus on improving the efficiency of the vehicles as well as exploring the use of low carbon biofuels.

According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change, HDVs make up about eight per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions output.

Current technologies limit the ability to turn to alternative, low carbon fuel to power HDV, but the programme is looking to change that.

Opportunity for improving technology
"Findings from a feasibility study commissioned by the ETI in 2009 have highlighted that there are significant opportunities to accelerate vehicle technology development through investment in a range of platform technologies which will help enable and support vehicle and vessel system development," said Dr David Clarke, ceo of ETI.

"Given the economic, security and climate change benefits of reducing fuel consumption there is a significant opportunity for early benefits from the introduction of improved vehicles, especially as the focus of European legislation is likely to move from emissions to fuel efficiency over the period required to develop significant vehicle technology improvements."

Applicants must submit a notification that they will submit a proposal by April 21, and the actual proposal must be received by May 13.

Vehicles designed through the programme are expected to be on sale by 2020.

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