The Diesel Technology Forum stated the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement of a final rule establishing future emissions standards for heavy-duty engines.
Allen Schaeffer, DTF Executive Director, stated, “The final rule sets the next chapter for advanced diesel engines. A chapter that is even closer to zero emissions and more durable than ever.”
Designing and manufacturing engines
DTF members are leaders in designing and manufacturing engines, emission controls, and critical components that will deliver the benefits this rule envisions for communities and truckers.
The standard sets many new challenges for manufacturers and suppliers. But it also secures diesel’s place in the future of trucking.
Current generation of diesel trucks
The current generation of diesel trucks is more fuel efficient and emits less than one-sixth as much as the 2000 models. They are already close to zero emissions of both nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter.
Of all commercial trucks in operation today, 53% are of this latest generation, which has grown steadily since 2010.
The current emission controls and engine design generation has delivered substantial benefits to climate and clean air.
Between 2007 and 2020, heavy-duty diesel vehicles of this generation reduced fuel consumption by nearly 20 billion gallons. They avoided 202 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and 27 million metric tons of nitrogen oxide emissions. Compared to previous generations of technology.
Further improvements in diesel engines anticipated in the outcome of this final rule and the ability of truckers to invest in new trucks will be critical. To ensure progress toward meeting local clean air and national climate goals.
Older generations
Without continued fleet renewal, older generations of relatively higher-emitting technology will remain in service longer. Thereby delaying benefits for disadvantaged communities and worsening air quality across the country.
This is underscored by a recent study that found that over the next ten years, three times as many GHG reductions can be achieved. This by accelerating the rotation of older trucks to the newest generation of advanced diesel. And using renewable, low-carbon biodiesel fuels compared to an all-electric truck option.
Slightly less than half of the registered commercial trucks operating today are of an older generation. Pre-2011 vehicles with relatively higher emissions without the benefit of particulate traps and selective catalytic reduction technology.
The relative benefit of accelerating the turnover of these older trucks on the road today to newer technology will be enormous.
About the Diesel Technology Forum
The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of the current and future role of diesel engines, equipment, and fuels. Forum members are leaders in advanced diesel technology, emissions control, and petroleum-based biofuels and renewables.
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