The U.S. EPA published its final new rule for heavy-duty engines and vehicles in the Federal Register on Jan. 24, creating more stringent emissions rules for truck OEMs. Manufacturers are refining and developing technology to meet the EPA’s Clean Truck Plan. Fleets should consider how this affects their operations.
Dan Porterfield, SVP of maintenance and equipment control at Covenant Logistics, suggests fleets start planning procurement strategies for the model year 2027 large trucks and engines, as new emissions rules begin.
At the ATA’s Management Conference and Exhibition, he said diesel becoming more expensive means diesel parity isn’t necessarily coming and that new regulations will push fleets to alternative fuels. “Start planning ahead,” Porterfield advised. “It’s coming out fast. Get info, knowledge, and skills.”
New Tech Evolves from HD Standards
Engine-makers such as Cummins will be responsible for complying with the latest heavy-duty standards, requiring new technology, according to Matthew Spears. He said they should have enough lead time to launch new products to meet EPA’s 2027 timeline.
In 2022, SRI demonstrated the effectiveness of its CAT-DEF technology, reducing NOx and carbon dioxide emissions for diesel engines by reducing deposit formation in exhaust systems.
Dr. Charles E. Roberts Jr., director of SRI’s Commercial Vehicle Systems Dept., said DEF tech had been used for over a decade, but its highest emissions control couldn’t be realized due to harmful deposits in the exhaust system, especially at low loads/temps.
National Air Standards are Stronger than Ever
The EPA’s new, more stringent emissions guidelines for heavy-duty trucks and engines (published in the Federal Register Jan. 24, taking effect March 27, 2027) aim to reduce air pollution and include a 40% NOx reduction from heavy-duty vehicles in 2040, and a 50% reduction in 2045. NOx emissions are limited to 0.035g/hp-hr during normal operation, 0.050g at low load, and 10g at idle, with warranties extended to 450,000 miles and useful life to 650,000 miles.
Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/clean-trucks-plan
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