Abstract
Air pollution, Global Warming, high crude oil prices, dependence on oil imports and limited crude oil resources are forcing governments to introduce more stringent legislations, and industries to develop advanced and alternative powertrain technologies. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and usage of alternative fuels are regarded as promising technologies for the next future. How are these technology trends covered by the latest legislation? California ARB is currently adopting its Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) regulation; US EPA has introduced new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations; the EU published Euro 5, Euro 6 and new CO2 emission regulations for passenger cars. CARB ZEV Regulation includes advanced technologies like hydrogen, fuel cell, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and others to fulfill the ZEV requirements. Euro 5 and 6 introduced test procedures for HEVs, new reference fuels containing bio fuels. The CO2 emission regulation covers a new kind of European Legislation, fleet average values and payment of penalties for not fulfilling the requirements. Tax incentives are offered in many countries to promote vehicles with advanced powertrain technologies. This paper should analyse the latest legislative requirements and trends, referring to advanced technologies like hybrids and should offer an outlook for future activities. Legislative requirements in the European Union and USA are discussed, because most of the countries in world are applying EU and US emission standards.
Keywords: Powertrain Technology, Environment, Legislation, Emission, Hybrid, Testing.