Innovative technologies to monitor and reduce Non-Exhaust Emissions, particles and microplastics of VEhicles and pavements to improve air quality and human health.

Introduction

The LIFE NEEVE project focuses on improving the air quality, legal regulations, and sustainability of road transport while enhancing the quality of life and health of EU citizens. To achieve these effects, the NEEVE project aims to revolutionise the road transport sector by measuring and reducing non-exhaust emissions (NEE) from major sources such as brakes, tyres, and road surfaces.

Need for Addressing NEE

While the regulation of exhaust emissions has been effective, there is still a strong need to address NEE (i.e., particulate matter and microplastics) from these additional sources, which the LIFE NEEVE project will tackle.

Research and Development

To contribute to legal regulation, the LIFE NEEVE project will:

1. Study, characterise, and measure NEE.
2. Design and develop real-time onboard measurement systems to monitor NEE.

Additionally, innovative technological improvements in brake pads/discs, tyres, and road surfaces will be developed and demonstrated in real-world scenarios (Spain and Germany) to minimise NEE due to braking system and tyre-pavement interactions.

Expected Outcomes

Through these innovative developments, LIFE NEEVE will achieve:

• Accurate real-time monitoring of NEE.
• A better understanding of the NEE impact.
• A significant reduction of NEE from the automobile sector.

Dissemination of Impact

For spreading the impact beyond the project execution, the NEEVE consortia will implement a wide set of actions and strategies to:

• Promote, replicate, and exploit the innovative technological improvements in other EU locations and road transport sectors.
• Communicate NEE awareness and foster collaboration among vehicle manufacturers, policymakers, and drivers.

These efforts aim to improve vehicle elements, traffic regulations, and driving recommendations to achieve the maximal reduction of NEE, thereby enhancing air quality, human health, and climate.