New technical market research compiled by The Martec Group for the Diesel Technology Forum indicates that the four million cleaner heavy-duty diesel engines introduced from 2007 to 2015 resulted in majorly improved air quality and fuel efficiency.
The Martec Group says introducing four million cleaner heavy-duty diesel vehicle from 2007 through 2015 saved U.S. consumers: 29 million tonnes of CO2, 7.5 million tonnes of NOx, 218,000 tonnes of Particulate Matter (PM), 2.9 billion gallons of diesel, and 69 million barrels of crude oil.
“The reductions from the 2007 and newer trucks on the road today are equivalent to removing the CO2 emissions from 6.1 million light-duty cars from the road for one year, and removing the NOx emissions from all light-duty cars for two years, says Diesel Technology Forum Director Allen Schaeffer.
Schaeffer says 42% of all medium and heavy-duty diesel commercial trucks (Classes 3-8) in operation in the United States – four million of 9.5 million diesel trucks – were now equipped with newer technology clean diesel engines; up from 38% last year.
For Class 8 trucks running the latest generation (2010 and newer) engines, the new technology saved truckers USD $2,400 a year in fuel costs by using 875 fewer gallons of fuel (based on 125,000 miles travelled).
“As the world focusses on meeting future climate commitments, it is important to recognize the fuels and technologies that are delivering proven benefits across America, because clean diesel will also be vital to achieving those future goals as well,” says Schaeffer said.
In December 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established new requirements to reduce emissions from on-road heavy-duty trucks and buses by up to 95% and cut the allowable levels of sulphur in diesel fuel by 97% by 2010.
The first requirement for a 98% reduction in particulate matter became active in 2007. In 2010, requirements for a 98% reduction in NOx from 2007 levels went into effect.
Achieving these standards means the new clean diesel system relies on an efficient engine and combustion system utilising advanced fuel injection, turbocharging and engine management strategies coupled with emissions controls and after-treatment technologies including particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems – all running on ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel.
“These new clean diesel trucks are an essential element in the clean air plans for states to meet the current and future national ambient air quality standards,” says Schaeffer.
The Martec Group also calculated the emissions benefits achieved in some U.S states.
From 2011-2015 new technology diesel engines in California removed more than 700,000 tonnes of NOx from the atmosphere and saved more than 2.5 million tonnes of CO2.
In New York, the technology eliminated more than 250,000 tonnes of NOx from the atmosphere and saved more than 900,000 tonnes of CO2.
In New Jersey, clean diesel technology eliminated more than 160,000 tonnes of NOx from the atmosphere and saved more than 500,000 tonnes of CO2.
In Pennsylvania, clean diesel technology also eliminated 300,000 tonnes of NOx from the atmosphere and saved more than 1.3 million tonnes of CO2.
