Remote Automotive Exhaust Sensing (RAES) Market

Remote Automotive Exhaust Sensing: An Overview

In recent years, remote sensing technology has gained considerable attention in the automotive industry, especially in the area of emissions control. Remote automotive exhaust sensing (RAES) refers to the use of remote sensing equipment to measure the exhaust emissions of a vehicle while it is in operation, without requiring direct contact with the exhaust stream. RAES systems are typically used for compliance monitoring, inspection and maintenance (I&M) programs, and on-road emissions testing.

RAES technology relies on optical absorption spectroscopy to measure the concentration of pollutants in the exhaust plume. The system emits a beam of infrared or ultraviolet light through the exhaust plume and measures the amount of light absorbed by the pollutants. By analyzing the absorption spectra, the system can determine the concentration of specific pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM).

RAES systems offer several advantages over traditional emissions testing methods. Firstly, they are non-intrusive, which means that they do not require any modifications to the vehicle. This makes them suitable for on-road emissions testing and I&M programs, where the aim is to measure emissions from a large number of vehicles. Secondly, they are fast and efficient, allowing emissions to be measured in real-time while the vehicle is in operation. This reduces the need for costly and time-consuming laboratory-based testing. Finally, RAES systems are highly accurate, with error rates of less than 10%.

One of the key challenges in the development of RAES systems is the need for accurate and reliable measurement of emissions across a range of operating conditions. Emissions can vary significantly depending on factors such as engine load, speed, and temperature, as well as the fuel and lubricant used. To overcome this, RAES systems must be designed to operate over a wide range of conditions and must be calibrated against laboratory-based measurements.

Despite the potential advantages of RAES technology, there are some limitations that must be considered. Firstly, RAES systems are typically more expensive than traditional emissions testing methods, which may limit their adoption in some regions. Secondly, they require regular maintenance and calibration to ensure accurate measurement, which can be challenging in remote locations. Finally, RAES systems may not be suitable for measuring emissions from vehicles with modified or aftermarket exhaust systems.

Remote Automotive Exhaust Sensing Market Dynamics:

Drivers in Remote Automotive Exhaust Sensing Market

The remote automotive exhaust sensing market is driven by strict emissions regulations imposed by governments in North America and Europe. In response to growing environmental awareness, various countries have implemented strict standards and regulations mandating the use of emission monitoring systems, leading to the installation of remote exhaust sensing systems in the automotive sector.

For instance, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced new greenhouse gas emissions standards that will affect car and light truck manufacturers. These standards require car manufacturers to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 30%, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. Additionally, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), a regulatory body within the California EPA, has implemented engine and vehicle emissions regulations.

The US EPA's Tier 3 standards for light-duty vehicles are the most recent emission standards. These standards are the successor of earlier Tier 2, Tier 1, and pre-Tier 1 federal emission regulations. The Tier 1 standard applies to all new light-duty vehicles of less than 8500 lbs gross vehicle weight rating, while Tier 2 extends the applicability of light-duty emission standards to medium-duty passenger vehicles with GVWR between 8500 and 10,000 lbs. Tier 3 standards include emission standards for chassis-certified heavy-duty vehicles up to 14,000 lbs.

The US Federal Climate Policy 104 includes policies aimed at mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere produced by vehicles, and adapting to climate change. The policy has led to the development of major federal regulations for reducing emissions caused by vehicles, including zero-emission vehicle standards in the automotive sector.

In Europe, protecting air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a top priority for the European Commission. The European Union (EU) has set binding carbon dioxide (CO2) emission targets for new passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles during the forecast period, as agreed upon by the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Council.

Restraints in Remote Automotive Exhaust Sensing Market

Limitation in harsh weather conditions can impede the ability to conduct surveys using remote sensing instruments. Unfavorable weather conditions such as snow, rain, fog, and strong wind may increase the likelihood of inaccurate readings for open path systems.

Furthermore, harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain and snowfall can negatively impact traffic flow and air quality, which can affect the accuracy of data collected by on-road sensing and emission monitoring devices. In particular, making measurements during wet conditions can dilute emitted plumes and alter recordings, making it more challenging to obtain reliable results.

On the other hand, snow and rain can actually improve air quality by removing particulates or dissolved gaseous pollutants from the air and depositing them on the ground. Despite this, severe weather and temperature conditions continue to be a significant obstacle for the expansion of the remote automotive exhaust sensing market.

Opportunities in Remote Automotive Exhaust Sensing Market

The developing countries have relatively lower per capita emissions than the developed nations, as reported by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). However, these countries are expected to increase their share of global emissions to meet their developmental needs. The growing urbanization, particularly in developing economies, and an increase in disposable income are projected to further drive the market growth. The software segment is expected to become the largest revenue contributor to the remote automotive exhaust sensing market due to the surging demand for data storage and conversion into readable data globally.

Governments in developing countries are implementing initiatives to reduce emissions. For instance, China has established its National Climate Change Program (CNCCP) that outlines policies and measures to address climate change, including its plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2060, and to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. The China VI emission standard, which mandates the use of the European PEMS regulations for complete vehicle PEMS testing requirements, is another measure that helps transition all new heavy-duty vehicles in China to emission levels that are free of soot.

In India, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 grants the Government the power to set vehicular emission standards. The Motor Vehicles Act, Section 20, is also in place to prevent and control air pollution from automobiles. Additionally, the Indian Government has introduced the Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC), a standard for assessing emissions from cars and LCVs, and has recently updated it with an improved cold start testing procedure. The Vehicle Scrappage Policy, a government-funded program to replace old and polluting vehicles with new ones, is yet another initiative taken by the Indian Government to reduce emissions. The policy is designed to phase out old and unfit vehicles, and create a lower carbon footprint in the country. The government provides incentives to encourage vehicle owners to participate, including cash discounts on new purchases, as well as reductions in registration and road taxes. These initiatives create an excellent growth opportunity for the remote automotive exhaust sensing market.

Challenges in Remote Automotive Exhaust Sensing Market

One of the challenges faced by remote automotive exhaust sensing is the limited access to vehicle registration data and inconsistencies in number plate designs. Access to registered vehicle information is necessary to identify vehicle specifications from the license plate, but local authorities typically have control and access to this data. However, the approval process for accessing the information can be time-consuming and costly, and in most regions, obtaining real-time vehicle information is not possible.

Limited access to registered vehicle information also breaches the privacy code of individuals and increases the risk of information misuse. As a result, access to registered information is restricted based on the type of information requested and the reason for requesting it.

Another challenge faced by remote automotive exhaust sensing manufacturers is the inconsistency in number plate designs. Number plates vary in size and font in different parts of the world, making it challenging to develop an algorithm that can accurately read all fonts without any discrepancies. If the remote automotive exhaust sensing software is inaccurate, it may misread registration numbers, leading to problems in vehicle identification.

In some countries in the Asia Pacific region, such as China and India, license plate numbers and color codes are required for vehicle identification. This requirement adds complexity to the vehicle identification process.

The software segment of the remote automotive exhaust sensing market is predicted to experience the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. The software component is crucial because it stores the monitored data and converts it into readable information. Major players in the market, including Opus Group AB, Hager Environmental & Atmospheric Technologies (HEAT), and Doppler Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd, provide software solutions that are tailored to meet clients' specific requirements.

Doppler Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd, for instance, offers a wide range of software products, such as motor vehicle exhaust remote sensing monitoring systems, electronic capture systems for black smoke cars, vehicle exhaust gas analysis systems, and diesel vehicle OBD remote monitoring terminals. North America is expected to see significant growth in the remote automotive exhaust sensing market due to the presence of many established players in countries like the United States and Canada.

The Middle East and Africa regions are also projected to witness significant growth in the remote automotive exhaust sensing market, with countries like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia adopting various government initiatives and measures. The demand for remote exhaust sensing systems is growing rapidly in China due to worsening climatic conditions resulting from vehicle emissions. The region is a major manufacturing hub for automobiles, with countries like China and South Korea experiencing a surge in manufacturing activities, thus boosting the demand for remote exhaust sensing systems and fueling the growth of the market in the Asia Pacific region.

Dominating Companies in Remote Automotive Exhaust Sensing Market

• Opus Group AB
• Hager Environmental & Atmospheric Technologies
• Doppler Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd
• Anhui Baolong Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd
• Korea Environment Corporation
• Hangzhou Chunlai Technology Co., Ltd
• UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
• CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD (CARB)
• Continental AG
• Robert Bosch GmbH
• DENSO Corporation
• Sensata Technologies, Inc.
• Delphi Technologies
• HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA
• AVL List GmbH
• TE Connectivity Ltd.
• PCL Group
• Emerson Electric Co.

Recent Developments in Remote Automotive Exhaust Sensing Market

• In 2020, automotive technology company Continental announced its acquisition of Kathrein Automotive, a global provider of automotive antenna solutions. The acquisition was aimed at enhancing Continental's offerings in the field of vehicle connectivity and automated driving, including remote automotive exhaust sensing.
• In 2019, German technology company Bosch acquired a stake in the Finnish company, Iotera, which specializes in developing wireless sensor networks for industrial and automotive applications. The acquisition was part of Bosch's strategy to expand its portfolio in the field of IoT and connected mobility, which includes remote automotive exhaust sensing.
• Also in 2019, automotive supplier Faurecia acquired the majority of Clarion Electronics, a Japanese company that provides advanced driver assistance systems, in-car infotainment, and connected car technologies. This acquisition was aimed at strengthening Faurecia's position in the automotive market and expanding its offerings, including remote automotive exhaust sensing.
• In 2018, German automotive parts supplier Hella announced its partnership with the Canadian company, BHTC, to develop new solutions in the field of automotive interior lighting and climate control. The partnership included the development of advanced sensors, which could potentially be used for remote automotive exhaust sensing.
• In the same year, Texas-based company, AMETEK, announced its acquisition of FMH Aerospace, a supplier of complex components and assemblies for the aerospace and defense industries. AMETEK's acquisition of FMH Aerospace was aimed at expanding its offerings in the aerospace and defense sectors, but the advanced sensing technology used in the aerospace industry could also have potential applications in remote automotive exhaust sensing.
• In 2021, automotive technology company Aptiv acquired Gabocom, a German provider of cable management solutions for the telecommunications and automotive industries. The acquisition was aimed at enhancing Aptiv's capabilities in connected vehicle solutions, including remote automotive exhaust sensing.
• In 2020, automotive supplier Magna International announced a partnership with Innoviz Technologies, an Israeli developer of solid-state LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors for autonomous driving. The partnership was focused on integrating Innoviz's LiDAR sensors into Magna's autonomous driving platform, which could potentially include remote automotive exhaust sensing.
• In 2019, Japanese electronics company Panasonic announced a partnership with the German automotive supplier, Robert Bosch, to develop new technologies for automated driving. The partnership included the development of sensors, software, and other components, which could potentially be used for remote automotive exhaust sensing.
• Also in 2019, automotive supplier Valeo announced its acquisition of German company, Gestigon, which specializes in developing 3D image processing and gesture recognition software. The acquisition was aimed at strengthening Valeo's position in the field of automated driving and connected mobility, including potential applications in remote automotive exhaust sensing.
• In 2018, automotive technology company Autoliv announced a partnership with Velodyne LiDAR, a developer of LiDAR sensors for autonomous vehicles. The partnership was focused on developing advanced LiDAR solutions for autonomous driving, which could potentially include remote automotive exhaust sensing.

In conclusion, remote automotive exhaust sensing is an innovative technology that has the potential to revolutionize emissions testing in the automotive industry. RAES systems offer a fast, accurate, and non-intrusive method of measuring emissions in real-time, making them ideal for on-road emissions testing and I&M programs. While there are some limitations to the technology, these are outweighed by the potential benefits, and we can expect to see widespread adoption of RAES systems in the coming years.