WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northeast truckers continue to choose the newest generation of diesel technology, delivering substantial clean air and climate benefits to the region, says new research and analysis from the Diesel Technology Forum.
According to analysis by the Diesel Technology Forum of 2017 U.S. vehicles in operation data (GVW 3-8) provided by IHS Markit, 35 percent of the region’s vehicles, from the ubiquitous white box delivery trucks on up to the largest 18 wheelers, are now equipped with the newest and lowest-emitting diesel technologies (MY 2011 and newer engines) – just below the national average of 36 percent.
Pennsylvania and New York are among the top 10 states with the most new-generation diesel trucks in the nation, with a combined nearly 300,000 commercial vehicles. On a percentage basis, Pennsylvania has one of the highest adoption rates – 40 percent of commercial vehicles in the state rely on the newest diesel technologies. Meanwhile, Maine, Rhode Island and New Hampshire have three of the fastest-growing Class 3-8 clean diesel fleets in the nation (% change, 2016-2017: ME 33%; RI 28%; NH 28%). Altogether, the region’s adoption of the newest generation of diesel technology jumped more than 25 percent between 2016 and 2017.
“Rapid adoption of the newest-generation diesel technologies in Northeast states, particularly in the heaviest applications, has delivered important benefits to many of this region’s most vulnerable communities: cleaner air, fewer carbon dioxide emissions in the communities in which they operate, as well as dramatic fuel savings for truckers themselves,” said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. “With more than one-third of all trucks in the Northeast relying on clean diesel technologies, we can see substantial progress toward key state’s clean air and climate goals.”
Upgrading the oldest trucks on the roads in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania has removed 2.5 million tonnes of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 145,000 tonnes of particulate matter (PM) from the air since 2007, and saved 6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 589 gallons of fuel since 2011, according to the Forum’s analysis of IHS Markit research.
If just these three states were to increase their new-technology diesel adoption rate were to 75 percent of their total fleets, in one year the region would remove about 228,000 tonnes of NOx and 12,000 tonnes of PM from the air, and save more than 1.6 million tonnes of CO2 and 180 million gallons of fuel.
“Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey comprise the heart of the Northeast trucking corridor, a vital artery in our nation’s shipping and transportation system,” said Schaeffer. “These states’ economies depend on diesel technology and trucking; as a result, they are often considered some of the most ‘at risk’ regions for transportation-related concerns. The incredible strides they have made in recent years has been the result of an increased reliance on the newest, most advanced diesel technologies – a trend that should continue so that people living in these areas can continue to reap the economic and environmental benefits.”
The U.S. trucking fleet is transitioning to newer diesel technology which means immediate fuel savings, lower greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner air. According to Fleet Advantage's latest Truck Lifecycle Data Index, the newest Class 8 diesel trucks can save truckers up to $26,600 in fuel costs over a 2012 model – a 7.9 percent increase in savings, despite higher average diesel prices. These newest trucks also offer significant clean air benefits: NOx emissions that are 99 percent lower than previous generations, along with 98 percent fewer emissions of particulate matter. Beginning in 2011, all new heavy-duty trucks are equipped with selective catalytic reduction and particulate control technologies, which combine to achieve stringent new EPA emissions requirements for NOx emissions of no more than 0.20 grams per brake horsepower hour (g/BHP-hr.). This is in addition to particulate emissions levels of no more than 0.01 grams per brake horsepower hour (g/HP-hr.) established in 2007.
“Especially for the largest of trucks, no other fuel matches what the newest generation of diesel technology continues to improve upon: efficient performance, low-emissions, reliability, durability, low-cost operation, and maximum flexibility in utilization, routing and fueling,” said Schaeffer. “Over the last decade, truck and engine manufacturers and their suppliers have fundamentally transformed diesel technology to near-zero emissions performance while also increasing its fuel efficiency. Diesel’s continued dominance as the technology of choice for heavy-duty trucking reflects the technology’s proven record of continuous improvement and low-cost operation.”
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About The Diesel Technology Forum
The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more information, visit http://www.dieselforum.org.
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