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Low rolling resistance tires are a technology used to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. This project analyzed current relationships between environmental and safety performance properties of commercially available light-duty tire models in Canada. This paper presents the results of a blinded multi-year light-duty vehicle tire research project conducted by Transport Canada & Natural Resources Canada. The study follows on an update to SAE WCX 2018-01-1336 which presented results for tires tested between MY2014-2018. Tire performance was evaluated in a variety of tire categories with a focus on wet grip and rolling resistance. Correlations between key performance indicators were charted to analyze trends in new model tires available on the Canadian tire market. Manufacturer specifications were also charted to evaluate the relations of wet grip and rolling resistance with price, UTQG ratings, and marketing categories.

In North America, heavy-duty diesel engines for on-road use have to meet strict regulations for their emissions of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide (cumulatively referred to as ‘NOx’) besides other criteria pollutants. Over the next decade, regulations for NOx emissions are expected to becoming more stringent in North America. One of the major technical barriers for achieving in-use NOx emissions commensurate with the levels determined from in-laboratory test procedures required by regulations is controlling NOx emissions during cold start and engine idling. Since the exhaust gas temperature can be low during these conditions, the effectiveness of the exhaust after-treatment (EAT) system may be reduced. Under colder climate conditions like in Canada, the impact may be even more significant.

Alternative fuels and power trains are expected to play an important role in reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and other pollutants. In this study, five light-duty vans, operating on alternative fuels and propulsion systems, were tested on a chassis dynamometer for emissions and efficiency. The vehicles were powered with Tier 2 gasoline, low blend ethanol (E10), compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and an electric battery. Four test cycles were used representing city driving and cold-start (FTP-75), aggressive high speed driving (US06), free flow highway driving (HWFCT), and a combination of urban, rural, and motorway driving (WHVC). Tests were performed at a temperature of 22°C, with select tests at -7°C and -18°C. Exhaust emissions were measured and characterized including CO, NOX, THC, PM and CO2. On the FTP-75, WHVC, and US06 cycles additional exhaust emission characterization included N2O, and CH4.

Tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption, and wheel torque data were measured for three pairs of vehicles tested over four drive cycles at the Emissions Research and Measurement Section of Environment and Climate Change Canada in Ottawa, Ontario. Each pair of vehicles included identical vehicle models; one vehicle was equipped with an AWD drivetrain and one vehicle was equipped with a FWD drivetrain. The AWD vehicle was tested on a double-axle chassis dynamometer. The amount of AWD activity was heavily dependent on driving behavior and AWD system design. During periods of torque delivery, the percentage of AWD activity ranged between 32% and 57% for the FTP-75 drive cycle, between 3% and 8% for the HWFCT drive cycle, and between 21% and 29% for the US06 drive cycle. The fourth drive cycle was the FTP-75 driven at -7°C. AWD distributions did not show sensitivity to temperature for the first and second vehicle models.