Improving the energy efficiency of road transport: the case of eco-driving in the Netherlands

Robert Harmsen, Robert van den Hoed, and Mirjam Harmelink, Ecofys Netherlands, The Netherlands

Keywords

energy efficiency, road transport, driving behaviour, good practice, evaluation, policy package

Abstract

In this article we present the results of an in-depth ex-post evaluation of the Dutch Eco-driving program carried out within the framework of the AID-EE project which has been supported by the Intelligent Energy for Europe Program. The Eco-driving program is a policy package with the objective to stimulate more energy-efficient purchase and driving behaviour. While focusing on behavioural aspects, the program is complementary to the ACEA covenant which has purely technical objectives, i.e. making cars more efficient.

The analysis shows that:

Between 1999 and 2004 energy savings of 1.3 – 3.0 PJ (corresponding with 0.1‑0.2 million tonnes of CO2 emission reductions) have been achieved, which is 0.3‑0.8 % of total fuel consumption of Dutch road transport.
The intermediate target of 2005 to reduce 0.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions has probably not been met.
Up to now, the program has been less successful in training existing drivers.
However, both the already realized savings and the remaining potential for further savings mainly come from the group of existing drivers.
In addition, it should be stressed that the effectiveness of the program, e.g. regarding the actual driving style of trained drivers and the persistence of changes in driving style, is hard to assess.
Eco-driving is profitable for car owners due to lower fuel costs
In 2004, 31 % of the general public was familiar with the Eco-driving program.
Currently, 76 % of the driving instructors have been trained in eco-driving.
The principles of eco-driving have been incorporated in the theory examination and it is envisaged to be included in the practical examination procedure
When comparing the Dutch Eco-driving program with the Finnish program, it is shown that the Dutch package approach seems to be a relatively effective manner of improving energy efficiency with an extremely difficult target group.

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