This study evaluates the impact of a solar panel system installed on a heavy-duty truck (HDV) trailer on fuel consumption, tested at the ZalaZONE track. Two vehicles were assessed – diesel-powered and an liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered truck, with the latter equipped with solar panels. Over five days, the solar system powered cabin electronics, reducing idle time and fuel use. While fuel and carbon dioxide (CO₂) savings were observed, performance was limited by battery charge and sunlight exposure. The results show potential for up to 10% fuel savings, demonstrating the system’s feasibility for reducing emissions in long-haul transport, though further optimization is needed.

Modern passenger vehicles can indicate the speed limit for a given road section using GPS, cameras, or both. Sign recognition systems must comply with specified testing procedures before operation. Our goal is to create a cost-effective lab environment for vehicle-level tests of these systems. Image recognition can be tested with various traffic signs in a simulation video placed in front of the vehicle’s camera while it runs on a chassis dyno. We tested this environment with factory-built systems, displaying recognized signs on the dashboard. The simulation software allows unlimited signs, eliminating the need for long-distance driving or extensive test track setups. While the lab environment does not replace final public road testing, it is a cost-effective solution for the development and testing of traffic sign recognition systems.