TNO: Euro 6 jeopardises Dual Fuel technology

 Well respected Dutch research institute TNO has published a very interesting reportt on the effects of alternative drivelines for trucks. Especially the arrival of the new Euro 6 requirement was brought into perspective with current alternative technologies such as LNG and CNG, as well as hybrids and Dual Fuel.

TNO concludes that with Euro 6, diesel technology is going to be much cleaner. The comfortbale lead gas technology, either be it CNG or LNG, had from the perspective of CO2 emission, has nearly completely vanished. Also, the Dual Fuel technology, which is under development at MAN and Volvo, has lost it’s competing edge.

There are three kinds of Dual Fuel technology. The retro fit solution, which is based on Euro 5. With this solution, it is not possible to equal Euro 6. It seems that this solution will vanish from the market. In the second version, the Dueal Fuel system is mated to the CAN-Bus, enabling an even better result. The third soultion is an OEM solution, developed by the truck manufacturer himself. This is the only way to upgrade Dual Fuel to Euro 6. In a response to questions from Iepieleaks, Volvo says that they plan to develop their system further to meet Euro 6.

Seriously less particles and NOx emissions result in Euro 6 engines being nearly as clean as engines running on either LNG or CNG. Recent development of diesel engines shows that the Euro 6 diesel will prove more constant in exhaust emissions and the engine itself will become more fuel economical. On the other hand, LNG and CNG engines prove less constant in emissions and noise development, due to several reasons. Truck manufacturers are developing one world harmonized standard for Dual Fuel engines. This is another proof that investements in this technology are upcoming. When this new regulation becomes mandatory, is still unknown. With Euro 6, diesel trucks have become cleaner and more fuel efficient. Dual Fuel technology will be developed further to meet Euro 6.

To view the full report, which is in both Dutch and English, click here:, and scroll to the end of the story on www.truckenmilieu.nl