LAUSR

Abstract The transport sector is seen as the main responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 33% of global emissions. Faced with this environmental concern, the automotive sector has sought to incorporate sustainability into the life cycle of vehicles, via for instance, eco-efficiency approaches. The aim of this paper was to demonstrate the environmental and economic effects of the change in the differential ratio in a heavy-duty vehicle. Thus, a detailed case study was carried out. From an environmental perspective, a Life Cycle Assessment was conducted to quantify the potential impacts considering the impact categories of (i) resource consumption, human health with (ii) carcinogenic and (iii) effects, and (iv) global warming potential. Life Cycle Assessment results indicated an average of 6.50% impact reduction for each category analyzed, due to the change in the differential ratio. Moreover, from an economic perspective, it was observed a reduction of 5000 liters/year of diesel consumption for the studied truck, which was equivalent to BRL 15,000.