Nearly Half of the Commercial Trucks in the US Use Cleaner Diesel Tech
Commercial trucks are helping save the planet. Once upon a time, that statement would have seemed like a fantasy. Yet in recent years, the trucking industry has made major leaps forward in reducing fuel emissions. Of the 11 million diesel-powered Class 3-8 vehicles on the road in the United States, 43% are now using cleaner burning technology, including selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and particulate control, according to new research.
Why Clean Diesel for Commercial Trucks?
There has long been a concern about the environmental impact of vehicles in general, particularly that of semi-trucks. Historically, commercial trucks have contributed to this problem due to their prevalence and large size. Then the EPA introduced new regulations that required nitrogen oxides emissions to be no more than 0.20 grams per brake horsepower hour (g/BHP-hr), in addition to particulate matter (PM) emissions levels of no more than 0.01 g/BHP-hr.
Commercial trucking manufacturers had their work cut out for them with the social and legal challenges to reduce emissions. But the advancements in technology have paved the way for reduced emissions from the trucking industry.
The Tech Behind the Cleaner Diesel
One particular type of tech has helped reduce this environmental impact in a big way. Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is a proven emissions control technology integral to cleaner diesel tech. It reduces levels of NOx using ammonia as a reductant within a catalyst system. According to Diesel Technology Forum, SCR technology alone can achieve NOx reductions by up to 90 percent.
SCR is so impactful, it became a requirement for all heavy-duty trucks produced after 2010. The United States is the world’s leading user in SCR technology in the effort to reduce fuel emissions.
Save Money + Help Environment = Double the Green
Since the introduction of the more environmentally-friendly heavy-duty commercial trucks in 2007, the 4.2 million class 3 – 8 vehicles have saved 29M tonnes of CO2, 2.9 billion gallons of diesel; 69 million barrels of crude oil, 7.5M tonnes of NOx; 218,000 tonnes of PM.
All these environmental benefits come hand-in-hand with cost-saving benefits as well. Clean diesel is undoubtedly a cost-saver for fleet management –– it is estimated that from 2014 to 2018 US equipment owners have saved roughly $50 billion in fuel costs. The future looks bright as well: with new standards for heavy-duty emissions will save $170 billion in fuel costs. Fleet managers should look forward to both the positive environmental impact and the improved fuel economy of cleaner diesel.
Commercial Trucks with Clean Diesel for a Better Tomorrow
Big truck brands are embracing an environmentally friendly future. Volvo, Mack and Isuzu have all started experimenting with electric trucks and their class 3 – 8 US commercial trucks all comply with the new EPA standards.
For more information about electric semi-trucks and other options from brands like Volvo, Isuzu or Mack, contact Nextran Truck Centers. With 16 locations across Georgia, Alabama and Florida, Nextran Truck Centers is the perfect option for any fleet.
