Remap cuts in emissions and fuel consumption proved in tests

THE benefits of remapping a van’s engine management, with a 9% gain in fuel economy and big cut in nitrogen oxide emissions, have been shown by new independent testing of Viezu’s BlueOptimize remapping service.

A Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) approved facility carried out the test showing the remap cuts in emissions and fuel consumption.

Already hugely popular with van fleet managers around the UK who are keen to cut their fuel bills and emissions, BlueOptimize was tested on a standard 2013 Ford Transit 2.2 tdci with 43,000 miles on the clock to the New European Drive Cycle test (NEDC).

Analysis of the results showed that as a consequence of Viezu’s engine remapping, the vehicle’s nitrogen oxides (NOx) output was slashed by more than 17 per cent. Furthermore, the van’s fuel consumption was also improved, equating to 9% in real world use, meaning the total amount of fuel burnt, and therefore overall emissions, was also lowered.

Viezu’s MD Linda Busby said: “With recent concerns about emission levels, it was important that our fleet customers could have the added confidence about BlueOptimize’s air quality credentials brought about by certified independent testing.

“These results prove this to be the case and show that fleets can clean up their emissions while also saving fuel and even improving vehicle driveability at the same time.”

Ethical and responsible remapping has been at the core of Viezu’s business for many years. Its BlueOptimize service was launched in 2012 and since then more than 250,000 vehicles including some of the largest fleets on UK roads have had their emission levels and fuel consumption improved.

Viezu’s team of in-house software engineers develop bespoke engine maps for every vehicle, taking into account the vehicle’s typical drive cycle, load and other key characteristics. The engine map is then modified to introduce factors such as rev or throttle limiting to ensure that performance is improved, without any detrimental impact on the environment.

Vehicle emissions have been under extreme scrutiny this year after a High Court air quality ruling in April. It is thought that more than 29,000 premature deaths occur each year in the UK as a result of poor air quality, which is being largely blamed on NOx emissions from diesel vehicles.

“Real world testing carried out by both ourselves and our customers have shown even more significant improvements,” adds Busby. “However, now we are pleased to be able to back this up with certified data which confirms the environmental and fuel saving possibilities available with BlueOptimize.”