How can you design vehicles to reduce air pollution?

2 Transmission improvement

The transmission is the system that transfers the power from the engine to the wheels, and its design and operation affect the fuel efficiency and emissions of the vehicle. You can improve the transmission by using more gears, such as six-speed or eight-speed automatic transmissions, that allow the engine to operate at optimal speeds and reduce fuel consumption and emissions. You can also use continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), that adjust the gear ratio continuously and smoothly, and eliminate the need for fixed gears and shifting.

4 Weight reduction

The weight is the measure of how heavy the vehicle is, and its impact on the acceleration, braking, and fuel efficiency of the vehicle. You can reduce the weight by using lighter materials, such as aluminum, carbon fiber, and plastics, that reduce the mass of the vehicle and improve its performance and efficiency. You can also use design strategies, such as downsizing, simplifying, and integrating, that reduce the number and size of components and systems and optimize the use of space and materials.

5 Emission control

The emission control is the system that reduces the amount and toxicity of the emissions that the vehicle releases into the atmosphere. You can use emission control devices, such as catalytic converters, particulate filters, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR), that convert or remove harmful pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, from the exhaust gas. You can also use emission control technologies, such as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), that reduce the formation of nitrogen oxides by recirculating some of the exhaust gas back into the engine.

6 Alternative fuels

The alternative fuels are the fuels that are derived from sources other than petroleum, and that have lower environmental impacts than conventional fuels, such as gasoline and diesel. You can use alternative fuels, such as ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas, hydrogen, and electricity, that produce fewer or no emissions and reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. You can also use alternative fuel vehicles, such as flex-fuel, bi-fuel, dual-fuel, fuel cell, and electric vehicles, that can run on one or more alternative fuels or a combination of alternative and conventional fuels.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?