More than one-third of all medium- and heavy-duty commercial trucks registered in the United States—2.9 million of 8.8 million trucks—are now equipped with newer technology clean diesel engines, according to new data compiled by HIS Automotive for the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF).
The new data includes total registration information on Class 3-8 trucks from 2007 through 2013 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Beginning in 2007, all heavy-duty diesel trucks sold had to meet particulate emissions levels of no more than 0.01 grams per brake horse-power hour (g/HP-hr)—a level near zero.
“Because more than 95% 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. “Diesel trucks are literally the driving force behind goods movement in the United States and worldwide economies, so the fact that the clean diesel fleet is increasing is good news for improved fuel efficiency and the environment. These new trucks are so clean that it now takes more than 60 of today’s clean diesel trucks to equal the emissions from a single 1988 truck.
“Last year was the fifth consecutive year of increased penetration of the new clean diesel trucks in the fleet, reflecting the continuing confidence that American truckers have in the performance and fuel efficiency improvements of new technology diesel engines,” said Schaeffer.
“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. The new clean diesel technology has reduced emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses by 99% for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 98% for particulate emissions.
“In addition, model year 2010 and later trucks are experiencing an average of 3% to 5% improvement in fuel economy. Additional fuel-saving strategies are being developed to improve engine efficiency, vehicle aerodynamics, and expanded application of hybrid technology,” he said.
The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology, and working with policymakers and other stakeholders on common solutions. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology. For more information. go to www.dieselforum.org.
