Heavy-duty Vehicles: Safety, Environmental Impacts and New Technology: "RASTU"

A research project for 2006-2008

In the years 2003-2005 VTT conducted a comprehensive project on energy savings for heavy-duty vehicles (HDEnergy – summary available in english). The aggregate included 13 subprojects. Six research institutes took part in the work. Several ways to save fuel were identified and quantified, and in addition, new transport business related information technology systems were ideated.

The research work now continues within the new “RASTU” research integrate. Naturally, the work for reduced fuel consumption continues. Emission focused activities for buses and trucks, previously carried out as separate tasks, have been merged into the new research integrate. In addition, the new integrate also covers safety issues, e.g. the development of ITS applications for improved safety.

The objectives of the new project can be summarised as follows:

To ascertain the true performance of new types of vehicles (Euro 4/5 certified vehicles, fuel efficiency and real-life exhaust emissions).
Development of ITS technology to reduce energy consumption and improve safety and service levels for heavy-duty vehicles.
Improvements in vehicle technology for reduced fuel consumption.
Verification of measures to reduce fuel consumption and information transfer to transport companies, development of various monitoring system, support to national energy saving programs in the transport sector.
Interconnectedness between urban air quality (NO₂/PM) and new vehicle technology.

VTT acts as the responsibility centre for the integrate. Coordination is handled by TEC TransEnergy Consulting Ltd, and communication by Motiva Oy. In 2006, the research integrate includes altogether 9 technical sub-projects. Most of the technical reports will be in the public domain (available on this website), and part of the reporting will be done in English.

The annual budget is approximately 800,000 €. The main sponsor is Tekes – The Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation. Other sponsors are the Finnish Vehicle Administration, the Ministry of Transport and Communications and in addition, public authorities responsible for the procurement of transport services, transport companies and other related companies.

Additional information:

VTT
Matti Kytö, Senior Research Scientist, Person in Charge
phone +358 20 722 5513, matti.kyto@vtt.fi

Kimmo Erkkilä, Research Engineer, Project Manager
phone +358 20 722 5232, kimmo.erkkila@vtt.fi

TEC TransEnergy Consulting Ltd
Nils-Olof Nylund, D.Tech., Coordinator
phone +358 400 703 715, nils-olof.nylund@teconsulting.fi

Motiva Oy
Vesa Peltola, Manager, Customer Services
phone +358 424 281 214, vesa.peltola@motiva.fi