Shell has unveiled 'Smarter Mobility', a concept aimed at speeding up the global shift to more energy-efficient road transport. The company launched the concept at Michelin’s Challenge Bibendum sustainable mobility conference.
Shell said that with smarter use of new additives, petrol and diesel can yield big savings. Currently, Shell Fuel Economy formula products are available in over 21 countries. In 2009, Shell launched its Fuel Economy formula FuelSave, which it claims, helps customers save up to one litre per tank with every fill.
In addition to smarter fuels, smarter products include more efficient lubricants, and even new plastics that allow carmakers to create lighter and more fuel-efficient vehicles, the company said.
According to the company, smarter products deliver even better results when used in smarter ways. Shell is offering fleet operators a service called FuelSave Partner that electronically tracks fuel use and recommends different speeds, routes and driving styles to optimize economy. FuelSave Partner can cut fleet fuel use by as much as 10%.
In addition, Shell is helping to develop a more energy efficient global road transport infrastructure. The Shell WAM Foam Process, a process designed to produce and lay asphalt at lower temperatures, reduces overall energy consumption by between 25% and 35% compared to conventional asphalt, the company claims.
Shell Instapave, a lower carbon road surface, is being rolled out in Latin America and India to replace fragile, dusty and unsafe dirt roads and it can be ready for use in as little as 30 minutes after it is laid, Shell said.
Mark Williams, director of Shell Downstream, said: “A big part of Shell’s business is about providing the fuels, lubricants and even road surfaces that make it possible for people and goods to move around in motor vehicles. So customers faced with energy, climate and economic challenges can turn to us for ways to save fuel and emit less CO2.”
Mr Williams said, “While electric vehicles, hydrogen and advanced biofuels all have huge potential, there will not be enough of them to make a real difference for another decade or more. That’s too long, so we’re acting now to make today’s transport system cleaner and more efficient. We’re calling it ‘Smarter Mobility’.”