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Engine Control Module: Speed, Idling & RPM

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Engine Control Modules (ECMs) are electronic controls units that have been installed on truck engines since the early 1990s to allow better control over performance and emissions.

A fleet manager can use a computer program to access the ECM and pull reports from engines via an engine scanner. The ECM can be used to improve fuel performance and cut emissions by:

  • Setting engine idle times
  • Setting maximum engine RPM
  • Setting maximum road speeds.

Speed Limiters

Speeds in excess of 100 km per hour dramatically decrease a vehicle's fuel economy. A speed decrease of four to five km per hour results in a 4%-5% savings in fuel costs. Speed reduction can be achieved through driving practices and through electronic devices known as speed limiters.

In 2006 the BC Trucking Association, as part of a national trucking clean air plan, asked that speed limiters be set on trucks at no more than 105 km/hr. The Provinces of Ontario and Quebec have legislated use of speed limiters.

Transport Canada assessed the performance, safety and environmental impacts of speed limiters. The study found a national requirement for speed limiters could reduce annual fuel consumption by 228 million litres (1.4% of all on-road diesel used in 2006) and save the trucking industry up to $200 million. Annual GHG reductions were estimated at .64 megatonnes. The opportunities for savings were seen as coming primarily from Ontario, Quebec and Alberta. See: Summary Report – Assessment of a Heavy Truck Speed Limiter Requirement in Canada

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E3 Fleet Partners

The E3 Fleet program reflects the commitment and expertise of many people, including some of the country’s most innovative fleet managers. All have a common passion – to see Canada’s fleets take a cleaner, green road to the future.

The Fraser Basin Council launched E3 Fleet in 2006 in cooperation with Climate Change Central (Alberta) and Fleet Challenge. Since October 2016, the program has been managed by Fleet Challenge Inc.

The E3 Fleet Charter members were also pivotal to its success: Auto-Gas Propane, BC Hydro, BC Ministry of Environment, City of Coquitlam, Corporation of Delta, Enbridge, City of Hamilton, Hydro One, City of Kelowna, Township of Langley, District of Maple Ridge, City of North Vancouver, Novex Couriers, City of Prince George, District of Saanich, University of BC and Municipality of Whistler. We’ve enjoyed the journey so far, and it’s only just begun. Join us!

E3 Fleet in Brief

E3 Fleet is a Canada-wide program that helps public and private sector organizations green up their vehicle fleets.

E3 Fleet offers information and tools to help you increase fuel efficiency in your fleet, reduce harmful emissions, manage expenses, and incorporate new technologies, fuels and best management practices. We offer Fleet Review and Fleet Rating, unique opportunities for you to boost fleet performance and receive recognition for that achievement.

Reach Us

For more information on Fleet Challenge and the E3 Fleet Standards program, contact:

Roger Smith
Executive Director
Fleet Challenge and E3 Fleet Program

T: 416 418-9931

Jana Cervinka

Director, Communications and External Relations
T: 954 299 5885

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