New Diesel Tech Gets Included in California Zero Emissions Demo Project

A revolutionary diesel technology will be part of a $23.6m zero-emission transportation test program in California for budding commercial vehicle technologies designed to cut down smog, greenhouse gases, and petroleum usage in ports and rail yards along busy freight corridors.

Just recently, the California Air Resources Board granted the $23.6 million to the South Coast Air Quality Management District to fund four engine and vehicle manufacturers testing budding zero-emissions technology deployed on 43 harbor trucks.

The partaking Volvo Group project, under its Mack Trucks brand, will combine a clean diesel engine with plug-in hybrid and electric capabilities.

According to Diesel Technology Forum executive director Allen Schaeffer, the fact that a state-of-the-art diesel engine was chosen for this zero emissions demonstration project emphasizes the proven benefits of clean diesel technology and in helping California attain its climate and clean air targets. He adds that one of the essential benefits of the diesel platform is its capability for constant improvement. “From advanced engine designs, hybridization and even low carbon liquid biofuels, clean diesel technology continues to evolve to provide substantial clean air benefits.”

The clean diesel commercial vehicles in service across California are claimed to already contribute to air quality enhancements, huge fuel savings and greenhouse gas reductions.

Research by the Martec Group reveals that a single clean diesel Class 8 tractor powered by an engine that meets the Model Year 2010 emissions standards saves approximately nine tons of carbon dioxide emissions, removes one ton of smog forming emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and saves 21 barrels of crude oil.

Schaeffer reveals that from 2010 to last year, the fleet of 160,000 clean diesel commercial vehicles in California has removed 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide, 700,000 tons of NOx, and saved .8 million barrels of crude oil. However, he claims that these environmental benefits for California could be higher with the increased use of clean diesel vehicles.