The European – Euro VI standards for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are the most stringent emissions regulations currently in place in the European Union and the UK, aimed at reducing harmful pollutants from diesel engines, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). These regulations and the costs to comply are driving fleet owners and operators to consider greener fuel options.
Key Points of Euro VI Standards for HGVs:
- Emissions Limits:
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): The Euro VI standard limits NOx emissions to 0.4 grams per kilowatt-hour (g/kWh). This is a significant reduction compared to the Euro V standard, which allowed 2.0 g/kWh of NOx.
- Particulate Matter (PM): Euro VI limits PM emissions to 0.01 g/kWh, which is also a reduction from the Euro V limit of 0.02 g/kWh.
- Particulate Number (PN): In addition to PM mass, Euro VI also introduces a limit on the number of particulate particles (PN), set at 8.0 x 10¹¹ particles/kWh, which helps control the number of fine particles emitted from diesel exhaust.
- Technology Requirements: To comply with Euro VI standards, HGVs typically use advanced emission control technologies, including
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR): This system reduces NOx emissions by injecting a urea-based solution (commonly known as AdBlue) into the exhaust system, which converts NOx into harmless nitrogen and water vapour.
- Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF): These filters capture and store particulate matter (PM) from the exhaust, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere.
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR): EGR reduces the amount of oxygen in the combustion chamber, lowering the temperature of combustion and, as a result, reducing NOx formation.
- Onboard Diagnostics (OBD): Euro VI vehicles are required to have advanced onboard diagnostics to monitor emissions systems and ensure that they continue to function properly throughout the vehicle’s lifetime.
- Real Driving Emissions (RDE) Testing: Euro VI includes more rigorous testing methods, including Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing, which measures pollutants during actual driving conditions on the road, rather than solely under laboratory conditions.
- Lower Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions: Although Euro VI primarily targets NOx and PM emissions, the technologies required to meet these standards often result in more fuel-efficient vehicles, contributing to reduced CO2 emissions.
Summary:
- Euro VI Standards drastically cut emissions of NOx and PM from HGVs, using advanced emissions reduction technologies.
- The standard requires HGVs to be fitted with systems like SCR and DPF to comply with the strict limits.
- It is mandatory for HGVs operating in low-emission zones, such as the LEZ and ULEZ in London, to meet Euro VI standards to avoid hefty fines and daily charges.
These standards are part of ongoing efforts to reduce air pollution and improve public health, particularly in urban areas. Haush and its partners are working to provide green hydrogen to the UK transport industry to remove these emissions and CO2 from UK roads.
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