How to get the full report

Executive Summary

Transport Canada Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation Directorate has managed the Advanced Technology Vehicles Program (ATVP) since its inception in June 2001. This report encapsulates the major activities of the program to March 31, 2002.

The ATVP is a component of the Motor Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Initiative, one of five transportation measures identified under the Government of Canada’s Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change (AP 2000).

The goal of the ATVP is to support Transport Canada’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation sources and achieve a transportation system for Canada that is sustainable. The program is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from on-road vehicles by:

• evaluating the fuel efficiency, emissions and safety performance of advanced technology vehicles;
• identifying opportunities and market potential for the introduction and use of advanced technology vehicles;
• identifying barriers to the introduction and use of advanced technology vehicles and recommending remedies;
• raising public awareness of advanced technology vehicles; and
• supporting Transport Canada's environmental programs.

The ATVP is helping Transport Canada match the pace of technological change in the automotive industry with programs that facilitate the introduction and use of clean, safe and efficient advanced technology vehicles.

As of March 31, 2002, the ATVP fleet comprised of 63 vehicles. The fuel efficiency, emissions and safety performance of these vehicles are being assessed through a comprehensive program of on-road evaluation, instrumented track tests and formal laboratory tests. In addition, a program of special events has been undertaken to showcase advanced technology vehicles and to raise the awareness of the public towards advanced technology vehicles and the role these vehicles can play in a sustainable future. 1.7 million Canadians have been reached through these events.

In addition, special studies and partnerships, aimed at evaluating the safety of vehicles, have been initiated with such organizations as the National Research Council of Canada, Health Canada, Environment Canada and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

Although the ATVP has been in operation for only a short period of time, the following has been learned:

• low sulphur gasoline and diesel fuels and low-carbon alternative fuels are virtually unavailable in Canada;
• disharmony of global vehicle technical regulations is among the largest barriers to the availability of ATVs in Canada;
• technology exists today to improve fuel efficiency by 25% to 40%;
• diesels are an available technology that can cut fuel consumption by 40%. However, there are no diesel engines currently available in right-duty trucks in Canada. This is a large market segment with typically high fuel consumption;
• the transition to advanced vehicles and technologies will be largely seamless and transparent to consumers;
• there are concerns over particulate emissions from gasoline direct injection engines; and
• public reaction to small urban vehicles is positive but there is concern over their perceived lack of safety.

How to get the full report:

The full report on the "Advanced Technology Vehicles Program 2001 – 2002 Annual Report" is available in portable document format (PDF - 1,529KB). To view PDF documents you must use Adobe® Acrobat Reader. Visit the Adobe site to download the latest free version.

If you need an alternative format or for more information, please contact us by e-mail at atvp_pvtp@tc.gc.ca or call 613-993-5180.