Why does Transport Canada have an advanced technology fleet?

The sustainability of Canada's transportation system relies on the reduction of air emissions from transportation sources and the development of cleaner transportation systems, practices and technologies.

Transport Canada is supporting the introduction and use of safe, environmentally friendly vehicles, as part of its ongoing commitment to decreasing the environmental impacts of transportation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

To support these goals, an Advanced Technology Vehicles Program has been developed by the Energy and Emissions Engineering Division of the Road Safety Directorate. The goals of the program are:

• to ensure that advanced technology vehicles meet Canada's stringent safety standards, by assessing their unique characteristics in relation to existing standards and by examining the possible development of new standards;
• to evaluate the performance of advanced technology vehicles;
• to identify barriers, opportunities and market potential related to the introduction of advanced technology vehicles; and
• to raise public awareness of advanced technology vehices

How will the Advanced Technology Vehicles Program achieve its goals?

Road Safety experts will conduct extensive tests, inspections and performance evaluations of the vehicles. The information obtained will be used to examine the ability of advanced technology vehicles and the unique characteristics they incorporate to comply with existing regulatory requirements. Information learned about the technologies and vehicles will support policy development and implementation of operational programs, and will form the basis of consideration for new standards, test methods and other instruments.

The department will look at various means of disseminating information on the program and the vehicles (e.g. media visits).

The program also plans to assess the market penetration and potential of advanced technology vehicles, identify barriers to the introduction and use of these vehicles, and suggested remedies; and conduct awareness raising events such as presentations of advanced technology vehicles, student competitions, public exhibitions, demonstrations, ride-and-drives, and evaluations.

What advanced technologies are involved?

Some of the technologies include fuel cells, battery-powered vehicles, alternative low carbon fuels, hybrid vehicles, power-assisted bicycles, advanced gasoline and diesel engines, advanced powertrains and light-weight materials.

Do the vehicles meet current safety standards?

Vehicles not produced for sale in Canada have not been tested by manufacturers to determine whether or not they meet Canadian safety standards. However, they have been certified to the standards of their country of origin. The department will conduct extensive testing of the vehicles to determine their compliance with Canadian standards. The goal is to encourage the development of advanced technology vehicles while maintaining the high standard of safety expected by Canadians.

Will the vehicles be crash-tested?

All methods of assessment necessary to establish the vehicles' safety will be considered. Crash testing of selected vehicles is scheduled to begin in the winter 2001.