After the recent Volkswagen emissions scandal, the automotive world is in for some big changes, especially in how it’s policed. Enter the Emissions Detection and Reporting System (EDAR).
This laser-based camera-like device may soon be installed on poles above main highways to scan passing traffic, capturing emissions data in real time.
Safe for the human eyes, the laser technology detects emissions through infrared absorption of CO, CO2, NOx, HC and PM from light- and heavy-duty vehicles and motorcycles.
The system uses patented technology to construct multi-spectral 3D images of exhaust. To capture these images, EDAR utilizes still/scene camera technology and a license plate recognition camera.
Hager Environmental & Atmospheric Technologies (HEAT), the company behind the device, claims EDAR has an 86 percent accuracy rate on multi-lane highways during rush hour. For single-lane highway performance, HEAT claims a 95 percent accuracy.
Inaccurate readings are attributed to “situational exhaust plume interference or inadequate vehicle specific power.” HEAT suggests that owners of flagged vehicles could be sent notification letters advising them to take their vehicles to a repair shop for immediate inspection and repair.
HEAT’s website proclaims the system could save motorists and governments time and money from a reduction in required emissions testing. EDAR would do it for us on the road, what HEAT is calling “off-cycle” testing.
If governments lose their trust in car manufacturers, this kind of technology sounds ideal and HEAT is optimistic.
“Working in cooperation with government organizations, devices like EDAR are fraud proof, low profile and can capture extraordinary amounts of emissions data, all while drivers are on their daily commute without any inconvenience,” a press release by the company reads.
In particular, HEAT is looking to pitch the technology to the European Union and the United States’ EPA.
Could drivers see this technology pop up on highways everywhere? Could it even start appearing off-highway? Most importantly, what new way will corporations find to cheat the system – or will they be forced play to fair?
To learn more about EDAR and Hager Environmental & Atmospheric Technologies, visit heatremotesensing.com.