Analysis of emissions from various driving cycles based on real driving measurements obtained in a high-altitude city

Vehicle emissions standards and regulations remain weak in high-altitude regions. In this study, vehicle emissions from both the New European Driving Cycle and the Worldwide harmonized Light-duty driving Test Cycle were analyzed by employing on-road test data collected from typical roads in a high-altitude city. On-road measurements were conducted on five light-duty vehicles using a portable emissions measurement system. The certification cycle parameters were synthesized from real-world driving data using the vehicle specific power methodology. The analysis revealed that under real-world driving conditions, all emissions were generally higher than the estimated values for both the New European Driving Cycle and Worldwide harmonized Light-duty driving Test Cycle. Concerning emissions standards, more CO, NO_x, and hydrocarbons were emitted by China 3 vehicles than by China 4 vehicles, whereas the CO₂ emissions exhibited interesting trends with vehicle displacement and emissions standards. These results have potential implications for policymakers in regard to vehicle emissions management and control strategies aimed at emissions reduction, fleet inspection, and maintenance programs.