Vehicle driving patterns and measurement methods for energy and emissions assessment

The report proposes a comprehensive approach to driving pattern analysis for emissions and fuel consumption measurement purposes in which driving cycles, while having applications for specific purposes, are seen to be limited in their ability to readily represent the wide degree of variability inherent in general driving conditions. The report indicates that while a fixed driving cycle is desirable for regulatory purposes and for industry acceptability, value would be obtained from a joint analysis of driving patterns and engine performance data, in the context of measuring emissions and fuel consumption. The type of analysis recommended in this report represents an original approach to the problem of dealing with the variation in driving patterns across the nation. The report outlines a work program which would attempt to make use of the current Australian driving cycle (ADR27a) in the process of developing this approach. (A).