In a significant breakthrough for urban transportation sustainability, researchers have unveiled a low-cost methodology for assessing vehicle fuel efficiency and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions using on-board diagnostic (OBD) data. This innovative approach is particularly vital for regions like Latin America, where access to advanced emissions measurement systems is often limited due to economic constraints.
The study, led by Fredy Rosero from the Faculty of Engineering in Applied Sciences at the Universidad Técnica del Norte in Ecuador, highlights the discrepancies often found between laboratory vehicle performance and real-world traffic conditions. “With OBD data, we can gain crucial insights into vehicle performance without the high costs associated with traditional measurement systems,” Rosero explained. This research could have far-reaching implications for urban transportation policies, especially in resource-constrained areas.
By utilizing OBD interfaces paired with mobile applications, the team conducted an experimental campaign involving three gasoline-powered passenger vehicles operating as urban taxis in Ibarra, Ecuador. The methodology employed a vehicle-specific power (VSP) approach to analyze the energy required for vehicle propulsion, effectively creating engine maps that characterize fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in real-world scenarios.
The implications of this research extend beyond academia. For the energy sector, this method presents an opportunity to enhance local emissions inventories and develop more region-specific regulations that consider local geography and vehicle fleet characteristics. “This is a practical solution that can support policymakers in targeting fuel subsidies more effectively and encouraging the renewal of inefficient vehicle fleets,” Rosero added.
As urban areas worldwide grapple with rising greenhouse gas emissions from road transport—predicted to increase by 28% between 2022 and 2050—the ability to monitor and assess vehicle performance using low-cost technology becomes increasingly critical. The findings from this study suggest that OBD data can serve as a reliable resource for decarbonization efforts, making it a game-changer for urban transportation sustainability.
The study is published in the journal ‘Energies’, which focuses on energy science and technology, and it paves the way for future research avenues. By extending this methodology to other vehicle categories and geographic areas, researchers could validate its broader applicability and refine the model using advanced techniques such as machine learning. The potential for improved predictive accuracy could revolutionize how vehicle emissions are assessed, providing a clearer picture of their environmental impact.
For those interested in further exploring this research, more information can be found on the Faculty of Engineering in Applied Sciences at Universidad Técnica del Norte.
