Real-Driving Emissions of Euro 2–Euro 6 Vehicles in Poland—17 Years of Experience
Source abstract
Abstract
The article presents the development and results of emission studies conducted in Poland in the context of global real-driving emissions research. Although the European Union has continuously tightened exhaust-emission standards, road transport remains one of the major sources of air pollution. Several research centers in Poland—including Rzeszów University of Technology, Poznan University of Technology, and the Motor Transport Institute—have been conducting on-road emission measurements for many years across a wide spectrum of vehicles: conventional, hybrid (including plug-in hybrids), and fully electric. The findings show that emissions under real-world driving conditions often differ from those obtained in homologation tests, particularly for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Ambient temperature, road gradient, and driving phases (urban, rural, motorway) were also identified as influential factors. Polish research centers have developed analytical tools enabling comparison between laboratory and on-road tests and allowing real-driving emissions to be estimated based on chassis-dynamometer data. Studies on plug-in hybrids highlighted that these vehicles remain environmentally beneficial only when regularly charged; otherwise, their emissions can increase sharply. Overall, the research confirms that on-road testing is essential for a reliable evaluation of vehicle performance, and the results can contribute to designing more eco-friendly technologies and improving future emission regulations.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Vehicle emissions and performance · Air Quality and Health Impacts · Energy, Environment, and Transportation Policies
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Affiliations
Faculty of Civil and Transport Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 5 M. Sklodowskiej-Curie Square, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, Rzeszow University of Technology, 12 Powstancow Warszawy Street, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
Motor Transport Institute, 80 Jagiellonska Street, 03-301 Warsaw, Poland
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koszalin University of Technology, Raclawicka 15-17, 75-620 Koszalin, Poland
References (92)
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