On September 10, 2009, the Government of Canada announced a $1-million pilot initiative to encourage the use of fuel-efficient technologies for heavy- duty trucks. The initiative will partially fund successful applicants, up to $100,000, who install SmartWay^SM-certified technologies to increase fuel efficiency in heavy-duty trucks. Applicants will have until October 30, 2009, to submit proposals.

The commercial highway freight sector is responsible for almost 10 percent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. It is also the fastest growing source of energy demand in our country. However, a range of fuel-saving technologies are currently available on the market, with others in development. The technologies typically fall within one of four categories:

• engine technologies;
• transmission improvements;
• hybridization configurations; and
• vehicle improvements, including decreased rolling resistance, aerodynamic modifications and weight reduction.

The one-year pilot initiative, administered by the Government of Canada’s ecoENERGY for Fleets program, will provide funding for the purchase and installation of technologies certified under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) SmartWay^SM Program.

The Government of Canada has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the U.S. EPA’s SmartWay^SM Program and ecoENERGY for Fleets. The purpose of the MOU is to share information and innovative solutions to reduce fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions in heavy-duty trucks.