fuel economy

• Vehicle selection should consider fuel economy over the whole life of the vehicle.
• Relevant factors include engine size/type, high-ratio final drive, body design, unladen weight, air management and maintenance requirements.
• Reducing unladen weight with composite materials and aluminium wheels can improve fuel economy.
• Cab deflectors, side skirts and aerodynamic trailer/body designs reduce drag.
• Better fuel economy benefits both operating costs and the environment.

emissions

• Euro emission standards progressively reduce permitted vehicle-engine pollutants.
• Euro 5 became compulsory from October 2009; Euro 6 became compulsory for new vehicles purchased after 1 January 2014, according to the source.
• Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) uses urea/AdBlue to reduce NOx.
• If the AdBlue tank runs out, the source notes that vehicles may be programmed to reduce engine power to limit excessive emissions.
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cools exhaust gases and redirects them to the engine so pollutants, particularly NOx, can be reduced.
• Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) remove soot/particulate emissions.
• Euro 6 vehicles commonly combine EGR, SCR and particulate filtration.
• Additional exhaust-treatment equipment can increase kerbside weight and may slightly affect fuel economy.

fuels and lubricants

• Ultra-low sulphur diesel is the standard diesel fuel identified in the source.
• Alternative fuels include LNG, CNG and compressed biomethane.
• Synthetic lubricants can reduce mineral-oil consumption, filter use and waste-oil production.
• Synthetic lubricants may allow longer service/oil-change intervals.

whole vehicle recycling

• Most vehicle components and structural materials can potentially be reclaimed at end of life.
• Recyclability can form part of an operator's environmental policy.

noise

• Vehicle noise is a form of environmental pollution.
• Noise can be reduced through engine encapsulation, air-brake silencers, low-noise tyres and cryogenic refrigeration.
• Austria has low-noise vehicle requirements for night operation; compliant vehicles display a green plate with a white 'L' (Lärmar[m]/Urmarm as represented in the source).
• Germany has its own low-noise requirements and compliant vehicles display a green 'G' plate (Geräuscharm).

road wear

• Additional axles spread vehicle weight and can reduce road damage.
• Road-friendly suspension, such as air suspension or an equivalent system, can also reduce road wear.