Ricardo to explore the use of flexible clean air zones to improve air quality

Leveraging its world-renowned expertise in R&D and digital engineering, Ricardo is one of the winners of a national transport location data competition to help make journeys easier, cleaner and more efficient.

World-class engineering, environment and strategic consulting company Ricardo has received funding from the Geospatial Commission in partnership with Innovate UK to enhance transport location data so that hybrid electric vehicles can intelligently modify how they operate to help improve air quality in towns and cities.

Adrian Greaney, Director of Technology & Digital, Ricardo Automotive and Industrial Division said: “Ricardo is committed to providing decarbonised and clean transport solutions. We are very proud to have been awarded the first phase of this project which will enable us to continue our research to evaluate the potential of dynamic geo-fencing technology to improve urban air quality.”

Brighton & Hove Buses operate the UK’s first zero-emissions geo-fenced bus fleet. Its fleet of 54 buses has been fitted with smart, on-board technology designed in a collaboration between BAE Systems and bus manufacturer ADL which has enabled them to sense when they are in pre-defined areas and automatically switch to being in zero emissions mode.

Ricardo’s three-month study will examine the benefits of adapting existing geo-fenced areas to respond dynamically to changes in air quality, and extending the technology to privately-owned fleets of taxis and delivery vans, so that they can also switch to electric vehicle mode in ultra low emissions zones in major towns and cities.

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