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.

This study presents a comparative analysis of the energy consumption characteristics of Volkswagen Golf equipped with an electric powertrain in urban and interurban (highway) driving environments. The primary objective of the research is to determine which traffic context offers more favorable operating conditions in terms of energy efficiency for this vehicle category. Special emphasis is placed on the role of regenerative braking, particularly in urban traffic characterized by frequent acceleration and deceleration cycles, which may significantly influence the vehicle’s specific energy consumption through energy recovery mechanisms. The measurement data were recorded under real-world traffic conditions along two representative routes: a highway section between Zalaegerszeg and Keszthely, and the urban road network within Zalaegerszeg. During data collection, vehicle parameters extracted from the CAN network—including brake pressure, speed, accelerator pedal position, drivetrain power, battery voltage and current, state of charge, as well as longitudinal and lateral acceleration—were recorded using a custom program developed in Simulink and a Kvaser CAN logger device. The goal of the analysis is to compare the energy efficiency indicators of the two driving profiles and to draw conclusions, based on the recorded data, about the real-world efficiency of electric vehicle operation in urban settings. The findings may contribute to the optimization of operational strategies for electric vehicles and serve as a foundation for future large-scale investigations.

The study examines the observance of safe following distances under real traffic conditions. Maintaining an appropriate following distance plays a key role in accident prevention, as it gives drivers sufficient time to perceive hazards and react appropriately. To record empirical data, a rear radar sensor was installed on the test vehicle, which continuously measured the distance and speed of the vehicle behind. This method allowed for a detailed analysis of how the following distance changes as a function of speed. The collected data was compared with the minimum safety requirements based on reaction time and braking performance described in the literature. The comparison shows the extent to which actual driver behavior deviates from the recommended safety standards. Although modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with driver assistance systems, such as automatic emergency braking, the vast majority of vehicles in Hungary are not yet equipped with such systems. As a result, road safety depends largely on individual driver decisions and compliance with the rules. The results highlight the potential accident risks arising from inadequate following distances, especially in everyday traffic situations where drivers often underestimate the distance required for a safe stop. The measurement result show that most drivers following distance is shorter than the average stopping distance. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of domestic driving habits and provides a basis for the development of road safety campaigns, driver training programs, and possible regulatory measures. Overall, the results emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe following distance as a simple, cost-effective, and efficient means of improving road safety.