Continental has unveiled an explainer video on the VECTO (Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool) initiative, which highlights what rolling resistance is.
The video also details how it has a direct impact on fuel costs, as well as on the CO2 emissions of a fleet.
The video focuses on different target conflicts that might arise when choosing rolling resistance optimised tyres and reveals further factors that can impact rolling resistance such as different payload conditions, air pressure or the application of a fleet.
The content is said to be the latest asset to be found on Continental’s VECTO microsite, which also includes infographics and further background information to shed light on the important role tyres play in reducing CO₂ emissions.
In line with the Paris Agreement to combat climate change, the first carbon dioxide emissions regulations for new heavy-duty vehicles (HDV) were introduced by the European Commission in 2019 (EU Regulation 2019/1242).
These new regulations will mean cutting the average CO₂ emissions from new HDVs by 15% by 2025 and 30% by 2030, compared to figures from July 2019 to June 2020.
This regulation currently applies to 4×2 and 6×2 trucks with a gross vehicle weight over 16 metric tonnes, while a future extension of the regulation is currently being considered by the European Commission. To ensure these ambitious reduction targets are met, the Commission launched the VECTO simulation tool.
Given that tyres significantly influence fuel consumption and therefore the CO₂ emissions generated by a vehicle, Continental has launched a microsite to provide fleet managers with information about the new regulation and its implications for their trucks.
Also included on the site are:
- Embedded videos, including a video explaining how the VECTO simulation tool works and what exactly is calculated for the HDVs (also available on YouTube) as well as a video highlighting why industry and society need to act now
- Information about the business effects for fleet operators, focusing on fuel efficiency and greater transparency with regard to the purchase of a truck
- An infographic about the new regulation, with facts and figures showing how the VECTO tool performs its calculations, which vehicles are affected, the potential of tyres to reduce fuel consumption and fleet operating costs, plus other parameters to reduce CO₂ emissions
Constantin Batsch, Head of Truck Tyre Replacement at Continental’s business region Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said: “From our talks with customers we see that there is a lot of interest from fleet managers all over Europe. We know that fuel consumption and thereby CO₂ emissions will not only become more important when buying a new truck, but also when replacing tyres. So, we want to provide fleet operators with important information on how the new CO₂ regulation and the resulting changes for tyres affect their business and how they can make best use of it. We see ourselves as service consultants, especially with regard to finding the right tyre, tyre management and how this helps reduce overall operating costs and CO₂ emissions.”
