A research team from the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering – Politecnico di Milano has unveiled an innovative system for monitoring vehicle emissions, which could transform sustainable mobility. The study, titled “An innovative virtual sensing system for the vehicle-centric evaluation of emissions in the sustainable mobility transition,” was recently published in Scientific Reports.
Authored by Silvia Strada, Antonio Pagliaroli, and Prof. Sergio Matteo Savaresi, the research introduces a groundbreaking approach that promotes sustainability without requiring vehicle replacements.
At the heart of the system is a virtual sensing methodology capable of accurately estimating carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions using compact telematic devices. These devices, equipped with GPS and inertial measurement units, collect real-world driving data, circumventing the limitations of traditional Euro standards that focus solely on vehicle classification.
The team analysed an extensive dataset, courtesy of UnipolTech, encompassing over 11 million trips from 8,000 vehicles across Italy. By leveraging this data, their algorithms provide a tailored assessment of each vehicle’s environmental footprint, considering fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, and nitrogen oxide output.
One key finding of the study is that environmental impact depends not only on vehicle technology but also on driver behavior. For instance, the researchers identified a "green speed" range—between 50 and 75 km/h—as the optimal speed for minimizing fuel consumption and emissions.
This system aligns with the European Union's ambitious target of reducing transport emissions by 90% by 2050. By empowering drivers to adopt eco-friendly habits, it offers an equitable and practical path toward sustainability, even for those unable to invest in zero-emission vehicles.
The study challenges conventional views of vehicle sustainability, demonstrating that even older cars can achieve ecological efficiency through conscientious use. This innovative perspective moves beyond the limitations of the Euro classification system, paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic ecological transition.
By reshaping how we assess vehicle emissions and sustainability, this research offers a compelling solution for a greener future.