Variable valve timing
Vehicle manufacturers are adding variable valve timing (VVT) to some vehicles to help them meet Canada’s increasingly stringent greenhouse gas emission standards.
VVT and related lift systems help to improve combustion. That leads to better operation of the engine, lower emissions and a 1 to 6% reduction in fuel consumption.
VVT controls the flow of air and exhaust
Engine valves control the intake of fresh air and fuel, and the exhaust of combustion gases. VVT and lift systems adjust the timing of the valves to match the operating conditions of the engine. This improves efficiency over a wide range of engine operating speeds.
How much a VVT system can save
Over 10 years, a VVT can save you between $120 to $1,680 and lower your carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 280 to 3,860 kg. At the high end, this is equivalent to
- three quarters of an Olympic-sized swimming pool of CO2
- removing a mid-size car from Canadian roads for one year
- nearly 20% of our annual per capita emissions in Canada, which is 22.1 tonnes
| Fuel consumption | 10-year savings* | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average (L/100 km) |
With a 1% reduction (L/100 km) |
With a 6% reduction (L/100 km) |
Fuel cost savings | CO2 reduction |
| 14.0 | 13.86 | 13.16 | $280 to $1,680 | 640 to 3,860 kg |
| 12.0 | 11.88 | 11.28 | $240 to $1,440 | 550 to 3,310 kg |
| 10.0 | 9.9 | 9.4 | $200 to $1,200 | 460 to 2,760 kg |
| 8.0 | 7.92 | 7.52 | $160 to $960 | 370 to 2,210 kg |
| 6.0 | 5.94 | 5.64 | $120 to $720 | 280 to 1,660 kg |
*Based on an annual driving distance of 20,000 km, a fuel price of $1.00/L and a CO2 emissions factor of 2.3 kg/L of gasoline.
Be a knowledgeable buyer
Research before you buy. Estimate how much fuel your vehicle will consume over its lifetime.
- Date modified: