20100930-IEA-Transport_Energy_Efficiency_60页_2mb

Energy Efficiency Series: Transport Energy Efficiency

Core Content

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has been working on improving energy efficiency in the transport sector, which is the largest consumer of final energy globally. The report focuses on the implementation of IEA recommendations since 2009 and outlines future steps for enhancing transport energy efficiency. It emphasizes the importance of reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions through various policy measures and technological improvements.

Main Recommendations

The IEA has four main transport energy efficiency recommendations:

1. Fuel-efficient tyres – Promoting proper tyre inflation and adopting low rolling resistance tyres.
2. Fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles (LDVs) – Establishing and enforcing fuel efficiency standards for cars.
3. Fuel economy standards for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) – Implementing similar standards for trucks and commercial vehicles.
4. Eco-driving – Encouraging efficient driving practices to reduce fuel use and emissions.

Key Information

Fuel-efficient Tyres (Recommendation 5.1)

• Rolling Resistance: About 20% of a vehicle's fuel consumption is used to overcome rolling resistance, which is influenced by tyre inflation and material.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS): The US has mandated TPMS on all light vehicles since 2007. The EU and Japan have also adopted similar measures, using ISO 28580 for testing.
• Labelling: The US introduced a tyre labelling scheme in 2010, providing consumers with information on fuel economy, CO₂ emissions, and wet traction. The EU and Japan have also implemented labelling schemes, though with varying formats and levels of implementation.

Fuel Economy Standards for LDVs (Recommendation 5.2)

• United States: The CAFE standard was reformed in 2009 to base fuel efficiency on vehicle size (footprint). The fleet average fuel economy is expected to rise to 35.5 mpg by 2016, representing a 30% reduction from 2005 levels.
• European Union: Adopted CO₂ emissions regulations for passenger cars in 2009, with implementation starting in 2012. The standard aims for an average of 130 gCO₂/km by 2015.
• Japan: The Top Runner programme sets energy efficiency targets for LDVs, based on the best available technology. These targets are aligned with vehicle weight.

Fuel Economy Standards for HDVs (Recommendation 5.3)

• Japan: Introduced HDV fuel economy standards in 2006, aiming for a 12% improvement from 2002 to 2015. The standards are based on the best-in-class principle and use simulation methods to measure emissions.
• United States: The EPA initiated rulemaking procedures on HDV GHG emissions in 2009, with plans to implement a national policy starting in 2014.
• European Union: Has not yet introduced legislation on HDV CO₂ emissions, though discussions are ongoing.
• Global Status: Only Japan has implemented HDV fuel economy standards, and most countries are still in the planning or implementation phase.

Eco-driving (Recommendation 5.4)

• Benefits: Eco-driving can reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 20% for some drivers and 10% for all drivers in the long term.
• Implementation: Most IEA countries have eco-driving programmes, with varying levels of success. The EU has mandated Gear Shift Indicators (GSI) for all new cars from 2012. Japan promotes eco-driving through campaigns and provides feedback instruments in new cars. The US has state-level eco-driving initiatives supported by the auto industry.
• Complementary Measures: In-car feedback instruments are essential for long-term success. Regular information campaigns and driver training are also necessary.

Implementation Progress

• Fuel-efficient tyres: Fully implemented in the EU, Canada, and the US; planning to implement in Japan and Korea; not implemented in Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey.
• Fuel economy standards for LDVs: Fully implemented in Japan and the US; implementation underway in Canada, the EU, and Korea; not implemented in Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey.
• Fuel economy standards for HDVs: Fully implemented in Japan; implementation underway in the EU and the US; not implemented in Australia, Canada, Korea, New Zealand, and Turkey.
• Eco-driving programmes: Implementation underway in Australia, Canada, the EU, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and the US; not implemented in Turkey.

Future Steps and Policy Considerations

• Fiscal Incentives: Countries should consider implementing fiscal incentives to encourage the adoption of fuel-efficient technologies.
• Vehicle Labelling: Improved labelling systems can provide consumers with clear information on fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Modal Shift: Shifting from less sustainable transport modes to more efficient ones, such as public transport, is crucial for long-term energy savings.
• Complementary Measures: Additional measures such as tyre maintenance, driver training, and simulation technologies for HDVs can support the implementation of the main recommendations.

Conclusion

The IEA report highlights that while progress has been made in implementing transport energy efficiency recommendations since 2009, full implementation is still lacking in many countries. The report underscores the importance of continuing to review and expand the scope of these recommendations, particularly in the areas of driver behavior, travel demand, and modal shift. It also calls for stronger policies to maximize technology adoption and ensure long-term sustainability in the transport sector.