Center for Environmental Research and Technology

In 2016, the State of California funded two technology projects to reduce emissions and petroleum use, and improve the health and quality of life of communities disproportionately burdened by environmental pollution. On March 6, 2019, CE-CERT joined partners Volvo, the California Air Resources Board, and the California Energy Commission for a demonstration of a technology that will be key to achieving this goal.

Pioneered by CE-CERT, this “Eco-Drive” technology was demonstrated using two heavy-duty trucks and a small passenger bus, along ten signalized intersections in the City of Carson, directly adjacent to the Wilmington community of Los Angeles. Real-time traffic signal phase/timing data was obtained wirelessly, on route, to then provide audio/visual feedback (via tablet) to truck drivers to modulate their speeds. Benefits of this technology include reducing truck travel times, intersection delays, emissions, and operating costs.

In addition to CE-CERT, CARB, and CEC, this demonstration represents an unprecedented partnership between a number of public agencies, including the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, and private companies. Click here to view a video of the demonstration, and here to review a press release from Volvo.