Retrofitting and proper maintenance vital for emissions
Of the ridiculous number of vehicles currently on the road worldwide, the vast majority of them are not brand new models. Considering the fact that the biggest increases in fuel efficiency, safety and emissions have taken place in the last few years, the legacy vehicles still on the road are a big concern. While it is easy to suggest that we remove these vehicles and replace them with newer models, this is not always practical, so some are suggesting that these vehicles be equipped with retrofit technology in an effort to save fuel and reduce emissions. One such technology could be tire pressure monitoring, as under-inflated tires make a big dent in overall vehicle efficiency. While the idea of adding technology to older cars may make sense, the realities of making the change are rather difficult. The European Commission's Directorate General Enterprise and Industry head Philippe Jean suggests that it is much easier to regulate new vehicles rather than old. What's more, all EU member states would need to agree on whatever regulations are suggested, which would likely prove rather difficult. In other words, don't hold your breath.
[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
dorugiu 3:47PM (6/24/2008)
Under inflated tyres are a mess, indeed. But inflating the tyres will not save the future of the automobil. Love cars very much, but I am very pesimisthic about the future.
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mrbell321 2:29PM (6/24/2008)
As long as they aren't stupid about it, I have no problem retrofitting older vehicles with new tech. In fact, I think it's a fantastic idea. The problem is, these sorts of regulations tend to be overly bureaucratic and make things less feasible. For example, I have a classic car that I am transplanting a new, clean running motor into. I will be using as much emissions controls as possible(cats, EFI, evap, etc and potentially even alternative fuel capable), but the resulting car will not be registerable in California because it is not an "approved combination". I'm projecting 40mpg and far far far fewer emissions than the original, registerable setup. Good thing I don't live in CA.
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Phil L. 3:06PM (6/24/2008)
Retrofits are incredibly difficult to mandate.
First of all, the technology has to make sense. Most major engine retrofits, such as mrbell321's project above, generally don't make sense from a monetary or emissions point of view (i.e., you could buy a different car for the cost of installing a newer, cleaner engine and control system; the new car will probably also end up with better emissions performance than a retrofit will have). mrbell321 is likely tackling his transplant project because he wants to restore the car. Governments will have a hard time forcing people to do similar things if it costs too much.
The only retrofit technology I've seen lately that can make sense has been diesel particulate filters. Some places in Europe are trying to mandate them - but I've also heard of uneven results from the conversions. DPF retrofit doesn't make sense in the US, simply because there aren't all that many older diesel cars on the road.
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e.c.sharpe 9:55AM (6/25/2008)
But some of the new technologies that produce the largest "benefits" are not exactly what I's call tired-and-true. I'm thinking particularly of the stop/start feature in modern engine management systems, which is sure to become a maintenance nightmare. The starter in my 1998 model just died after 10 years of normal use, but I expect with a stop/start system one might well need a new starter every three months! At around $300 each, that really adds up.
Tire inflation monitoring adds complexity and thus buginess.
Low rolling resistance tires provide less traction and are therefore obviously less safe.
Etcetera, etcetera.
I like my cars simple and my designs proven.
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Chris Carpenter 1:22PM (6/25/2008)
Retrofitting is the only way that we are going to keep the poor folks in the game. They will never be able to, and historically have never been able to keep up with new buying trends, so the first hybrid they might see may not be until 2013. Until then (think paycheck to paycheck), they will only be able to afford the cars that are unwanted by those who are buying hybrids...namely hand-me-down SUVs. It's a part of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Respect, Reconsider, Repurpose, Resist cycle.
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