The European Regulation 2019/2144 and USA Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards have been recently implemented in order to set goals for the reduction of carbon footprint and fuel efficiency.  These two different types of legislative answers to CO₂ emissions make the use of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems eligible for heavy-duty vehicles.

1 – WHAT IS A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM?

Direct TPMS measures the pressure and temperature of each tire, using a wireless sensor mounted within the wheel (rim/valve or glued directly on a tire) for heavy-duty vehicles. The system determines and sends absolute and accurate pressure values in real time.

2 – BENEFITS

IMPROVED FLEET & ROAD SAFETY

More than 50% of roadside breakdowns are due to tire problems^[1]. We definitely know that the probabilities of a tire blow-out, explosion and roadside breakdown are 90% due to under-inflated tires. Under-inflation also has an impact on tire contact patch, directly affecting vehicle handling, stopping and acceleration traction.  

Properly inflated and performing tires help improve safety by preventing crash situations. TPMS measures tire pressure in real time and triggers a warning when the pressure is under the alert threshold.

INCREASED TIRE LIFETIME AND PERFORMANCE

According to the European Tire and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association, heavy-duty vehicles drive with tires averaging between 40% and 65% under-inflated.

According to the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) of the American Trucking Associations, a constant 20% under-inflated tire reduces the tire lifetime by 30%^[2].

TPMS helps in maintaining extended tire lifetime by monitoring/ keeping a proper air pressure. Properly inflated, tires last longer and deliver 15% longer tread life and have 20% longer casing life.

REDUCED FUEL CONSUMPTION

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) TPMS effectiveness study revealed that every 1 psi drop in the average pressure of all tires had an impact of about 0.2% increase in gas consumption^[3]. In other words, properly inflated tires increase fuel economy by at least 1%.

Taking into account the fact that the CO₂ emissions are directly proportional to fuel consumption, the TNO assessment^[4] has shown that widespread application of TPMS can reduce CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption in light commercial vehicle and heavy-duty vehicle fleets by about 0.2% to 0.3%. In addition, due to their high mileage and fuel consumption, long haul vehicles have high savings potential.

REDUCED MAINTENANCE COSTS

Under-inflation reduces tire lifetime and has a direct impact on premature tire removal. This results in significant increase costs for fleets.

As we know tire-related costs are the second largest maintenance expense for commercial vehicle fleets in the USA, improper tire inflation increases the total maintenance cost by approximately $600 to $800^[2] annually per vehicle.

TPMS is a cost-effective solution that ensures ideal pressure to lower fuel costs and reduces unnecessary tire related costs.

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3 – A WORLDWIDE TPMS REGULATION TO REDUCE C0₂ EMISSIONS?

Medium and heavy-duty vehicles represent 23% of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the transportation sector in the USA^[5] and 5% in EU^[6]. Over the last 10 years, this situation has led many countries to consider and implement regulations in order to reduce CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption.

USA: GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND FUEL EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL TRUCKS AND BUSES^[7]

After the implementation of phase 1 of the Standards in 2017, which planned the reduction of CO₂ emissions by about 270 million metric tons and saved about 530 million barrels of oil over the life of medium and heavy-duty trucks manufactured in model years 2014-2018, the EPA and NHTSA finalized phase 2 in August 2016.

The final phase of the program promotes cleaner and fuel-efficient trucks by setting vehicle performances standards for trucks and buses manufactured between 2017 and 2027.

1. Lower CO₂ emissions by 1.1 billion metric tons
2. Lower oil consumption by up to 2 billion barrels over the lifetime of the vehicles sold under the program.
3. Save fuel costs of about $170 billion

EU: CO₂ EMISSION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR NEW HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES^[8]

The European Commission enforced in August 2019 the Regulation 2019/2144 in order to set CO₂ emission performance standards for new heavy-duty trucks for 2019 and 2030.

Manufacturers will have to meet, from 2019, the targets set for reducing the average CO₂ emissions in their new lorries. From 2030, stricter targets will start applying.

1. From 2025 onwards: The average CO₂ emissions will be 15% lower than in 2019.
2. From 2030 onwards: the reduction target will be 30% compared to 2019.

According to the Commission, the standards will allow fuel savings of about 25000€ over 5 years for a vehicle bought in 2025. Moreover, the predictions by 2025 announce a 2% share of zero and low-emission vehicles for the manufacturers.

Properly inflated tires have a positive environmental impact by enabling vehicles to release less carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere through better fuel efficiency. Monitoring the tire pressure with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a reliable and accurate solution to reduce Truck and Bus CO₂ emissions.

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