CO2 Regulation and Speed Limiters
15082
From 2015 to 2016
This research by TML focused on the effectiveness of speed limiters and Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) systems for light commercial vehicles (LCVs) on road safety and CO2 emissions. TML analysed the cost and competitiveness of LCVs compared to heavy commercial vehicles.
This research focused not only on traditional speed limiters, but also on more advanced Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) systems for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs). The current situation was examined first (costs, current use, and replication). We also examined the competitive position of light commercial vehicles compared to heavy commercial vehicles (HDVs). In addition, we evaluated the additional benefits of implementing speed limiters (road safety and air pollutant emissions). Finally, we explored legislative options to encourage their installation.
For the analysis, we relied on a review of vehicle brochures, a literature review, a survey of stakeholders and member states, interviews, mystery shopping, data analysis, and modelling.
Detailed explanation
Speed limiters in HDVs have been mandatory for many years. We found that speed limiters are a cost-effective way to reduce GHG emissions from light commercial vehicles, especially in the case of a speed limiter at 110 km/h or an ISA system.
Regarding the conventional speed limiter, two systems are most commonly offered for LDVs: separate speed limiters and cruise control with speed limiter. The separate speed limiter is installed by the OEM and usually cannot be adjusted by the driver. In contrast, in cruise control with speed limiter, the speed limiter is a system function that is adjustable by the driver. The combination of speed limiter and cruise control is an option in the price range of €150 - €347 excluding VAT. Separate speed limiters (without cruise control) are installed at the factory for a price in between €25 - €139 excluding VAT. All prices are based on the brochure assessment for the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and the UK. The cost for the OEM to install a separate speed limiter is low. ISA is not currently on the market for light commercial vehicles.
Besides a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the use of speed limiters also has a positive impact on emissions of other air pollutants and on road safety. However, because fraud is hard to detect, enforcement can be difficult. Moreover, specialised companies claim they can completely remove the speed limiter for almost all new vans. The price of retrofitting the speed limiter is, however, relatively high compared to the price of a separate speed limiter. Amounts between €260 - €435 were indicated in the interviews. The companies had no experience with ISA.
A classic speed limiter set at 110 km/h has the greatest effect on CO₂ emissions and air pollutants. Should a choice be made between a speed limiter set at 110 km/h or one set at 120 km/h, it appears that the first option is the most cost-effective. However, it has much less impact on road safety than ISA systems, as ISA has an impact on all types of roads. Encouraging the use of ISA is the best option because these systems have a much greater positive impact on road safety, CO₂ emissions, and air pollutants, and because they do not impose lower speed limits on light commercial vehicles and are therefore more acceptable.
Since ISA cannot be included in the test procedure, the only way to encourage its use is to separately charge for the reduced CO₂ emissions. It is not clear whether ISA can be classified as an eco-innovation. However, we should bear in mind that we are looking post-2020 and it is therefore possible to change the eco-innovation system or even replace it with another approach. Depending on the final regulation, such a system may facilitate the adoption of technologies. This could reduce the administrative burden for both the regulator and LCV manufacturers. Hence, encouraging the use of ISA credits under a new system seems to be the best option.
