EPA adopts interim guidance on tractors, components

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program has adopted interim requirements for manufacturers to certify SmartWay technologies and an interim test method that can be used to quantify the fuel consumption impact of fuel-saving equipment and components for the purpose of determining SmartWay eligibility. SmartWay officials are developing a more comprehensive testing protocol to be issued at a later date.

While the protocol is intended for use by truck and trailer manufacturers and component suppliers, fleet owners, too, could use it as an alternative to the Joint TMC/SAE J1321 Type II fuel consumption test procedure. For more information, go to www.epa.gov/smartway.

EPA SmartWay’s interim test protocol

SmartWay modified the TMC/SAE J1321 Type II fuel consumption protocol by adding the following provisions:

• The test must be conducted on a test track, not a roadway;

• The test track length must be greater than 1.5 miles, and 5 miles is recommended;