Near zero emission trucks increasing

July 7, 2014 | By

More than one-third of all medium and heavy duty commercial trucks registered in the United States are now equipped with newer technology clean diesel engines, according to IHS Automotive research for the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF). That's 2.9 million out of 8.8 million trucks.

 Credit: Diesel Technology Forum

"Because more than 95 percent of all heavy duty trucks are diesel-powered, it is significant that more than one-third of these trucks are near zero emission vehicles," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum.

The new clean diesel technology has reduced emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses by 99 percent for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 98 percent for particulate emissions, according to DTF.

In December 2000, U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) adopted a rulemaking to establish stringent standards designed to reduce emissions from on-road heavy-duty trucks and buses by up to 95 percent and to cut the allowable levels of sulfur in diesel fuel by 97 percent.

"Diesel trucks are literally the driving force behind goods movement in the U.S. and worldwide economies, so the fact that the clean diesel fleet is increasing is good news for improved fuel efficiency and the environment," Schaeffer said. "Emissions from today's diesel trucks and buses are near zero thanks to more efficient engines, more effective emissions control technology and the nationwide availability of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel."

Beginning the 2007 model year -- under the EPA's 2007/2010 heavy-duty engine and highway diesel fuel sulfur control requirements -- 100 percent of the new on-road diesel trucks were required to meet the near zero particulate emissions standards, and 50 percent were required to meet the lower NOx exhaust standards. Beginning with the 2010 model year, 100 percent of the new on-road heavy-duty diesel engines were required to meet the NOx exhaust standards.

In addition, a sulfur cap of 15 parts per million (ppm) was instituted beginning June 1, 2006 for 80 percent of the diesel fuel sold by major refiners for use in highway vehicles. The 15 ppm sulfur cap was increased to 100 percent after December 31, 2010.

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