VECTO

Vehicle Energy Consumption calculation TOol
Fact Sheet

Source: Commission modelling inventory and knowledge management system (MIDAS)

Date of Report Generation: Thu Mar 06 2025

Dissemination: Public

© European Union, 2025

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Overview

Acronym

VECTO

Full title

Vehicle Energy Consumption calculation TOol

Main purpose

VECTO is a vehicle simulation software created to support CO2 emissions monitoring from Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDV) in Europe and serve as the official CO2 calculation tool in the certification scheme.

Summary

The Vehicle Energy Consumption calculation TOol (VECTO) is a Heavy Duty Vehicle (HDV) energy consumption simulation software developed by the European Commission for regulatory purposes. VECTO software platform consists of VECTO software and a series of other software tools developed for the needs of the HDV certification procedure. Those include VECTO-Engine, VECTO-AirDrag and VECTO-hash&sign tools which are used at various points during the certification process. VECTO software is licensed under the European Union Public Licence (EUPL). VECTO provides output values for the average of the test cycle and in 1 Hz resolution for the entire test cycle together with relevant additional simulation results (e.g. power demand of single auxiliaries, losses in transmission, total driving resistance and share of the single driving resistances). 

VECTO has been introduced in May 2017 in the European vehicle type-approval system as the official tool used in Europe to certify and monitor the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from HDV, and its use is compulsory in Europe for CO2 certification of Heavy Duty Vehicles according to 2017/2400/EU. Beyond this use in policy implementation, VECTO can be used in any other phase of the policy cycle including impact assessment studies, analysis of the likely impact of specific technologies on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and formulation and analysis of future policy scenarios. 

Model categories

Transport

Model keywords

vehicle simulationfuel consumptionCO2 emissionsheavy-duty vehiclesHDV

Model homepage

https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/transport/vehicles/vecto_en

Ownership and Licence

Ownership

EU ownership (European Commission)

Ownership details

The model was developed by Technical University of Graz and Ricardo AEA on behalf of the JRC and DG CLIMA. The Commission holds the IPR. The model is licenced under EUPL 1.2.

Licence type

Free Software licence

The license grants freedom to run the programme for any purpose; freedom to run the program for any purpose; freedom to study (by accessing the source code) how the program works, and change it so it does enable computing; freedom to redistribute copies; and freedom to distribute copies of modified versions to others.

Details

Structure and approach

The VECTO vehicle simulation model is used for Heavy Duty Vehicle CO2 and fuel consumption certification in Europe.

The model needs detailed input on a large variety of vehicle subsystems, especially rolling resistance, air drag and transmission data, as well as an engine map. Generic models are available for a number of subsystems, but further development is bringing in more detail, as requested by the industry. 

Given the input data for a base vehicle, VECTO is capable of simulating different vehicle configurations, allowing for a quick estimation of CO2 emissions and energy consumption from heavy duty vehicles of different characteristics. VECTO simulates CO2 emissions and fuel consumption based on vehicle longitudinal dynamics using a driver model for simulation of target speed cycles. The required load to be delivered by the internal combustion engine is calculated in 1Hz based on the driving resistances, the power losses in the drivetrain system and the power consumption of the vehicle auxiliary units. Engine speed is determined based on a gear shift model, the gear ratios and the wheel diameter. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are then interpolated from an engine fuel/CO2 map. The VECTO software is written in C#.

Input and parametrization

Main inputs

  • Engine fuel consumption map
  • Torque loss maps at the drive train
  • Vehicle mass
  • Vehicle road loads
  • Vehicle characteristics
  • Vehicle auxiliary systems

 

Main output

The list of output values has been defined together by the developers and industry.  The model provides CO2 and fuel consumption results over official and user defined driving cycles (mission profiles). Various metrics can be calculated such as gCO2/km, gCO2/t-km, gCO2/passenger-km litres/100km, l/100passenger-km etc.

Spatial & Temporal extent

The output has the following spatial-temporal resolution and extent:

ParameterDescription
Spatial extent / country coverageEU Member states 27
Specific driving cycle / mission profile.
Spatial resolutionEntity
Vehicle
Temporal extent
Simulation of HDV operation over given mission profiles and operating conditions. Usual temporal resolution 2 or 1 Hz. Seasonal variations cannot be captured.
Temporal resolution
1 Hz

Quality & Transparency

Quality

Model uncertainties

Models are by definition affected by uncertainties (in input data, input parameters, scenario definitions, etc.). Have the model uncertainties been quantified? Are uncertainties accounted for in your simulations?

yes
The uncertainties have been quantified by several stakeholders including heavy duty vehicle manufacturers.

    Sensitivity analysis

    Sensitivity analysis helps identifying the uncertain inputs mostly responsible for the uncertainty in the model responses. Has the model undergone sensitivity analysis?

    yes
    Yes the JRC has made a first sensitivity analysis, the findings are currently under publication.

      Have model results been published in peer-reviewed articles?

      yes
      It undergoes continuous review by industrial stakeholders who use it for certification purposes and independently by the JRC.

        Has the model formally undergone scientific review by a panel of international experts?

        Please note that this does not refer to the cases when model results were validated by stakeholders.

        no

          Model validation

          Has model validation been done? Have model predictions been confronted with observed data (ex-post)?

          yes
          Three reports have been published to date on the topic by the JRC. Validation has been done by some member states and by industrial stakeholders.

            Transparency

            To what extent do input data come from publicly available sources?

            This may include sources accessible upon subscription and/or payment

            Based on both publicly available and restricted-access sources

            Is the full model database as such available to external users?

            Whether or not it implies a specific procedure or a fee

            no
            There is no underlying database, the input is vehicle specific and derived during the certification process.

              Have model results been presented in publicly available reports?

              Note this excludes IA reports.

              yes

              For details please refer to the 'peer review for model validation' documents in the bibliographic references

              Have output datasets been made publicly available?

              Note this could also imply a specific procedure or a fee.

              no
              Depends on who is using the model. As JRC we draft reports and papers on the simulations we run with VECTO.

                Is there any user friendly interface presenting model results that is accessible to the public?

                For instance: Dashboard, interactive interfaces...

                no

                  Has the model been documented in a publicly available dedicated report or a manual?

                  Note this excludes IA reports.

                  yes

                  Is there a dedicated public website where information about the model is provided?

                  yes

                  Is the model code open-source?

                  yes
                  The source code, the users manual and the technical annex regarding VECTO are public by law.

                  Can the code be accessed upon request?

                  not applicable

                  The model’s policy relevance and intended role in the policy cycle

                  The model is designed to contribute to the following policy areas

                  • Climate action
                  • Energy
                  • Research and innovation
                  • Transport

                  The model is designed to contribute to the following phases of the policy cycle

                  • Anticipation – such as foresight and horizon scanning
                  • Evaluation – such as ex-post evaluation
                  • Formulation – such as ex-ante Impact Assessments
                  • Implementation – this also includes monitoring

                  The model’s potential

                  This model is the tool of reference for the certification of CO2 from heavy-duty vehicles. After further development it will also allow the Commission to assess the effects of new technologies. The results of this model can be used in order to estimate the effects of new technologies on the CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of heavy-duty vehicles.

                  VECTO has been used in impact assessment studies done by DG CLIMA on CO2 monitoring and standards.

                  The following kind of questions can be answered, related to Impact Subcategory Vehicle Emissions, Fuel and Energy Consumption :

                  • What is the impact of certain vehicle specifics on the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of Heavy Duty Vehicles?
                  • Can a given technology option reduce energy/fuel consumption of Heavy Duty Vehicles by Z%? Does it increase or decrease vehicle emissions? Will the option increase/decrease energy and fuel needs/consumption?
                  • What is the likely performance of today's Heavy Duty Vehicle fleet with respect to energy consumption?

                  Previous use of the model in ex-ante impact assessments of the European Commission

                  Use of the model in ex-ante impact assessments since July 2017.

                  2023
                  SWD/2023/88 final

                  Impact Assessment Part 1 Accompanying the document Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 as regards strengthening the CO₂ emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles and integrating reporting obligations, and repealing Regulation (EU) 2018/956

                  Lead by
                  CLIMA
                  Run by
                  TU Graz - Graz University of Technology
                  Contribution role
                  baseline and assessment of policy options
                  Contribution details

                  VECTO was used to quantify the CO2 and energy saving of technologies for different vehicle groups and powertrain types. The data was used as input to DIONE and allowed analyzing the impact of possible extensions of the regulation's scope.

                  2018
                  SWD/2018/185 final

                  Impact assessment accompanying the document Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council: setting CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy duty vehicles

                  Lead by
                  CLIMA
                  Run by
                  European Commission
                  Contribution role
                  problem definition
                  Contribution details

                  The model VECTO is the subject of this impact assessment.

                  Bibliographic references

                  Studies that uses the model or its results

                  Analysis of VECTO data for Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDV) CO2 emission targets 

                  Published in 2018
                  Tansini, A., Zacharof, N., Prado Rujas, I. and Fontaras, G., Analysis of VECTO data for Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDV) CO2 emission targets, EUR 29283 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2018, ISBN 978-92-79-93163-5, doi:10.2760/551250, JRC112015.

                  Assessment of the Measurement Methodology for CO2 Emissions from Heavy Duty Buses and Coaches  

                  Published in 2018
                  Grigoratos, T., Fontaras, G., Tansini, A., Giechaskiel, B., Savvidis, D. and Ciuffo, B., Assessment of the Measurement Methodology for CO2 Emissions from Heavy Duty Buses and Coaches , EUR 29372 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2018, ISBN 978-92-79-94184-9 (online), doi:10.2760/74053 (online), JRC113307.

                  Monitoring CO2 emissions from HDV in Europe – An Experimental Proof of Concept of the Proposed Methodological Approach

                  Published in 2014
                  Fontaras G, Luz R, Anagnostopoulos K, Savvidis D, Hausberger S, Rexeis M. Monitoring CO2 emissions from HDV in Europe – An Experimental Proof of Concept of the Proposed Methodological Approach. Transport and air pollution conference; Technical University of Graz - Joint Research Centre (Organiser). Graz University of Technology; 2014. JRC91415

                  Peer review for model validation

                  Energy management algorithm based on average power demand prediction for plug-in hybrid electric trucks 

                  Published in 2024
                  Aletras, N., Broekaert, S., Bitsanis, E., Fontaras, G., Samaras, Z., & Ntziachristos, L. (2024). Energy management algorithm based on average power demand prediction for plug-in hybrid electric trucks. Energy Conversion and Management, 299, 117785. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2023.117785

                  The impact of bus passenger occupancy, heating ventilation and air conditioning systems on energy consumption and CO2 emissions 

                  Published in 2023
                  Zacharof, N., Özener, O., Broekaert, S., Özkan, M., Samaras, Z., & Fontaras, G. (2023). The impact of bus passenger occupancy, heating ventilation and air conditioning systems on energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Energy, 272, 127155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2023.127155

                  Experimental Evaluation of VECTO Hybrid Electric Truck Simulations 

                  Published in 2023
                  Bitsanis, E., Broekaert, S., Tansini, A., Savvidis, D., & Fontaras, G. (2023). Experimental Evaluation of VECTO Hybrid Electric Truck Simulations. SAE Technical Paper Series. https://doi.org/10.4271/2023-01-0485

                  Assessment of waste heat recovery for heavy-duty vehicles during on-road operation 

                  Published in 2021
                  Broekaert, S., Grigoratos, T., Savvidis, D., & Fontaras, G. (2021). Assessment of waste heat recovery for heavy-duty vehicles during on-road operation. Applied Thermal Engineering, 191, 116891. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2021.116891

                  An experimental evaluation of the methodology proposed for the monitoring and certification of CO2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles in Europe 

                  Published in 2016
                  Fontaras G, Grigoratos T, Savvidis D, Anagnostopoulos K, Luz R, Rexeis M, Hausberger S. An experimental evaluation of the methodology proposed for the monitoring and certification of CO2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles in Europe. ENERGY 102; 2016. p. 354-364. JRC100358

                  Model documentation

                  The Development of a Simulation Tool for Monitoring Heavy-Duty Vehicle CO2 Emissions and Fuel Consumption in Europe 

                  Published in 2013
                  Fontaras G, Martin R, Dilara P, Hausberger S, Anagnostopoulos K. The Development of a Simulation Tool for Monitoring Heavy-Duty Vehicle CO2 Emissions and Fuel Consumption in Europe. In: 11th International Conference on Engines and Vehicles; 15 September 2013; Capri. SAE Technical Papers SAE Technical Paper 2013-24-0150; 2013. JRC84884

                  Other related documents

                  CO2 emissions of the European heavy-duty vehicle fleet : analysis of the 2019-2020reference year data. 

                  Published in 2022

                  Future CO2 reducing technologies in VECTO : VECTO technology coverage and market uptake. 

                  Published in 2021

                  Development of heavy duty vehicles CO2 certification for heavy buses and medium lorries : pilot phase 2 : validation of the verification test procedure (VTP) for buses and medium lorries test campaign report. 

                  Published in 2020

                  Baseline Assumptions in EC Impact Assessments: Significance, Analysis and Recommendations

                  Published in 2018
                  Penedo De Sousa Marques, A., Hradec, J. and Rosenbaum, E., Baseline Assumptions in EC Impact Assessments: Significance, Analysis and Recommendations , EUR 28951 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2017, ISBN 978-92-79-77153-8, doi:10.2760/982695, JRC109839.

                  Heavy duty vehicle CO2 emission reduction cost curves and cost assessment – enhancement of the DIONE model 

                  Published in 2018
                  Krause, J. and Donati, A., Heavy duty vehicle CO2 emission reduction cost curves and cost assessment – enhancement of the DIONE model, EUR 29284 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2018, ISBN 978-92-79-88812-0, doi:10.2760/555936, JRC112013.

                  Assessment of the monitoring methodology for CO₂ emissions from heavy duty vehicles : pilot phase test-campaign report and analysis of the ex-post verification options. 

                  Published in 2017
                  Grigoratos, T., Fontaras, G., Giechaskiel, B. and Ciuffo, B., Assessment of the monitoring methodology for CO₂ emissions from heavy duty vehicles: Pilot phase test-campaign report and analysis of the ex-post verification options, EUR 28409 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2017, ISBN 978-92-79-64966-0, doi:10.2760/081827, JRC104993.

                  Estimating the CO2 Emissions Reduction Potential of Various Technologies in European Trucks Using VECTO Simulator

                  Published in 2017
                  Zacharof, N., Fontaras, G., Grigoratos, T., Ciuffo, B., Savvidis, D., Delgado, O. and Rodriguez, F., Estimating the CO2 Emissions Reduction Potential of Various Technologies in European Trucks Using VECTO Simulator, In: 13th International Conference on Engines and Vehicles, 10-14 September 2017, Capri, Italy, SAE Technical Papers, 2017, ISSN 0148-7191, JRC105548.

                  Report on VECTO Technology Simulation Capabilities and Future Outlook 

                  Published in 2016
                  Zacharof N; Fontaras G. Report on VECTO Technology Simulation Capabilities and Future Outlook. EUR 28272 EN. Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Publications Office of the European Union; 2016. JRC103864