Evaluation of the Environmental Impact of Vehicle Weight on Emissions and Fuel Consumption in Pickup Trucks

Subject Areas : Journal of Environmental Friendly Materials

E Anbarzadeh ¹ , Sh Hadipoor Rahimabadi ² , A Shamsi Lahijani ³

1 - Automotive Industries Research and Innovation Centre of SAIPA, Tehran, Iran
2 - Automotive Industries Research and Innovation Centre of SAIPA, Tehran, Iran
3 - Automotive Industries Research and Innovation Centre of SAIPA, Tehran, Iran

Received: 2025-01-11 Accepted : 2025-04-29 Published : 2025-06-12

Keywords: Vehicle Weight, Emission, Fuel Consumption, Environmental Impact, Pickup Trucks,

Abstract :

This study explores the effect of vehicle weight on CO₂ and NOx emissions as well as fuel consumption in two pickup trucks weighing 1805 kg and 1980 kg under controlled laboratory conditions. Both vehicles maintain identical engine displacement, fuel type, and drivetrain specifications, ensuring that weight remains the influencing factor. Chassis dynamometer testing was employed to replicate standardized urban and highway driving cycles while capturing exhaust gas concentrations and fuel usage with high-precision measurement systems. The results confirm that increased vehicle weight leads to higher emissions and fuel consumption, with Vehicle B showing 9.65% greater CO₂ emissions, 43.64% higher NOx levels, and 3.27% increased fuel consumption compared to Vehicle A. Additionally, projections from weight-based analysis indicate that for every 10 kg increase, fuel consumption rises by 1.5%, CO₂ emissions increase by 1.6%, and NOx output escalates by 3.6%. Extending this estimation to 50 kg, fuel consumption jumps by 7.5%, CO₂ emissions by 8%, and NOx emissions by 18%, demonstrating a substantial environmental impact from weight variations. These findings the critical importance of weight optimization in automotive design. Implementing lighter materials, improved aerodynamics, and combustion strategies can reduce emissions and enhance fuel efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable transportation sector

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