Canada's transportation system needs to be efficient, accessible, reliable and clean. The ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles program is contributing to making this happen by helping to accelerate the introduction of cutting-edge technologies that reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, pollutants and fuel consumption into new vehicles sold in Canada. The eTV program is one of the initiatives under the Government of Canada's ecoTRANSPORT Strategy. eTV explores how advanced technologies can help create a clean transportation system for Canadians by:
- researching new technologies;
- testing and evaluating the environmental performance of a range of emerging technologies for use in vehicles in Canada;
- building partnerships with the automotive industry and consumers to address barriers to the introduction of advanced technology vehicles in Canada; and
- providing Canadians with hands-on exposure to and information about new and emerging advanced technologies at outreach events.
eTV acquires recent and emerging advanced environmental technologies for vehicles from around the globe. While a number of the technologies evaluated by eTV are currently available in Canada, most are specifically imported to evaluate their performance in the Canadian environment. eTV works in cooperation with the automotive industry and consumers to identify and remove barriers to the introduction of advanced technology vehicles in Canada. Results of the tests are shared with Canadians to provide them with easy-to-understand information about cutting-edge technologies and their potential to help reduce the environmental impacts of motor vehicles.
In addition, the program focuses on building strong partnerships with the automotive industry, as well as encouraging the promotion and wider use of a broader range of environmental technologies and vehicles in the Canadian new vehicle fleet. These include:
- power train and engine improvements;
- advanced valve control to enhance vehicle efficiency;
- lightweight materials;
- improved tire technologies; and
- advanced engine technologies such as hybrid, advanced electric, fuel-cell and hydrogen technologies.
Lastly, by showcasing new environmentally advanced technologies at various outreach events across the country, eTV provides Canadians with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.
August 2009