SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING VEHICLE EMISSIONS

Methods and systems are provided for reducing release of undesired emissions to atmosphere at a start event of an engine configured to propel a vehicle. In one example, a method comprises providing an alternative heat source and actively routing heat from the alternative heat source to a heated exhaust gas oxygen sensor for which a heating element configured to raise temperature of the sensor is known to be degraded. In this way, a desired air-fuel ratio may be attained during engine start events where the heating element for raising temperature of the sensor is degraded, which may thus reduce tail-pipe emissions which may otherwise be released in the absence of such mitigating action.