ecoTechnology for Vehicles

February 14, 2007

Transport Canada's ecoTechnology for Vehicles Program is designed to raise awareness among Canadians about advanced environmental vehicle technologies and their benefits, and to help them make informed decisions about purchasing vehicles that use clean technologies.

With up to $15 million in funding, this 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 solutions; and
• raising public awareness of advanced technology vehicles.

The ecoTechnology for Vehicles Program will involve purchasing and testing a range of advanced technologies - including hydrogen, advanced electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles - and showcasing them at public events across Canada.

Near and long-term advanced technologies suitable for the Canadian vehicle market will also be featured. These technologies will include more efficient and cleaner gasoline and diesel engines, electric, solar, hydrogen fuel cells, biodiesel, etc., as well as individual advanced technology vehicle components.

In addition, the program will focus on building strong partnerships with the automotive industry and others, to encourage penetration of a broader range of environmental technologies and vehicles into the Canadian new vehicle fleet. These include:

• powertrain and engine improvements;
• advanced valve control to enhance vehicle efficiency;
• lightweight materials;
• aerodynamics;
• tire technologies; and
• advanced engine technologies such as hybrid, advanced electric, fuel cell, and hydrogen technologies.

There are more than 18 million motor vehicles registered in Canada, which account for approximately one-eighth of the greenhouse gas emissions in the country.

Advanced technologies will play an important role in helping the auto industry to achieve the 5.3 megatonne reduction target for greenhouse gas emissions from light duty vehicles in Canada. The industry has agreed to pursue this target under a voluntary agreement with the government between now and 2010, following which new fuel consumption regulations will come into effect for the 2011 model year.

Preliminary estimates suggest that the program will result in a reduction in the order of 500 kilotonnes (kt) of greenhouse2007-09-05the following air pollutants: sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and ammonia.

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. Through the ecoTechnology for Vehicles Program, Transport Canada will facilitate the introduction and use of clean, safe and efficient advanced technology vehicles.