Improving Fuel Economy: Illinois Tollway and Argonne National Laboratory Launch Fleet Vehicle Study
By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor, Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel
Downers Grove, IL, May 3, 2011 ; The Illinois Tollway and Argonne National Laboratory today announced a new fleet research study aimed at identifying fuel cost savings and efficiencies that will make the Tollway more sustainable and have a regional application for other municipal fleet operations. Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur and Argonne Director Eric Isaacs announced the start of the research study at Argonne’s state-of-the-art Transportation Research Lab.
As part of the new study, Argonne will research ways to improve fuel economy, reduce vehicle idling and study vehicle aerodynamics associated with State Police squad cars provided from the Illinois Tollway fleet. The Tollway fleet includes a diverse cross section of 725 vehicles that operate in urban and rural settings, including squad cars used by the Illinois State Police District 15.
In addition to analyzing a squad car’s performance under controlled tests in the lab, the study will also evaluate vehicle operation by developing a baseline from actual vehicle use on the road. A second quad car will be outfitted with an array of sensors to monitor and track critical vehicle functions as the vehicle is in use patrolling the Illinois Tollway.
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Research findings will determine if changes can be made to vehicles, systems or driver behavior to reduce fuel consumption. The Tollway spends $2 million on gasoline each year; a 1 percent reduction in the Tollway’s current fuel use would save about $20,000 annually.
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The Illinois Tollway and Argonne National Laboratory announced an agreement in November 2010 to collaborate on the development of energy efficient technologies and eco-strategies. The Tollway’s agreement with Argonne includes four study areas: energy, fleet, intelligent transportation systems and the natural environment, with the fleet study the first to get underway.
The three-year partnership combines the expertise of both organizations to accomplish unique scientific goals, commonly develop and use specialized knowledge and facilities and increase cooperation. The Tollway has committed $250,000 toward this research partnership in 2011.
© Larry Nutson