For any owner or operator that has an ageing fleet, achieving the latest Euro 6 or Stage 5 exhaust emission regulations can seem like a daunting task.

Achieving Euro 6 compliance is particularly important for those driving a truck or bus into an Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) or Clean Air Zone (CAZ) where Euro 6 compliance is required without question. 

During 2022, Bradford and Bristol are expected to begin charging for their zones, and whilst HGVs are only included in Classes B to D, buses and coaches fall within all four of the zone classifications. Simply, an ever-increasing number of cities will begin to introduce such zones and being ahead of the game is imperative to retain an agile and compliant fleet.

In comparison, whilst Stage 5 requirements are not yet mandatory for rail in these zones, it is expected that similar compliance is not too far away. The recent Air Quality Strategic Framework issued by Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), found ‘40% of all diesel engines used for traction on GB Railway, were not certified to any emission standards.’

Quite concerning when Exhaust Aftertreatment Systems (EATS) are available, there’s just not the legislation currently in place to drive action. 

Benefits of managing on and off highway emissions

One way in which emissions regulations can be met is by retrofitting vehicles and equipment with EATS such as those designed and manufactured by Eminox. This system must be certified under the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS) from the Energy Saving Trust which certifies retrofit technologies that meet the UK Government standard created to address air pollution from commercial vehicles.

EATS generally consist of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to remove Particulate Matter (PM) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to remove Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and specification into older vehicles can bring fleets up to date with the latest emissions regulations making them retrospectively compliant.

In addition to the full retrofit system, an OE high quality replacement DPF supports fleet managers and vehicle owners and operators alike to deliver ongoing compliance.

With a DPF being a key component of a vehicle’s exhaust and emissions management system, it reduces particulate matter (PM) emissions in diesel powered vehicles by capturing and storing the exhaust soot particles. It prevents PM from passing through the exhaust and into the air where it is harmful to health. A Euro 6 compliant DPF can remove as much as 98-99% of tailpipe particles and this is why responsible fleet owners and operators are upgrading vehicles to this level, irrelevant of whether they are operating in ULEZ or CAZ. 

The future of emissions regulations 

Achieving and maintaining Euro 6 and Stage 5 is an essential part of working towards emissions reduction targets in the UK and across the world, and why so many fleet managers, owners and operators are upgrading existing non-compliant vehicles. 

In the longer term, it is expected that regulations will be tightened further, and for all types of applications such as NRMM, RCVs and Power Generation, alongside trucks and buses to achieve even greater reduction in emissions. That said, the additional improvements that can be squeezed out of such legislation is finite and, as such, Eminox expects other fuel solutions and hybridisation to be integrated into further improving emissions regulations and compliance. It already has a team deployed to develop exhaust emissions solutions for alternative fuel powered applications, as most suited to heavy duty applications will still require an EATS to remove pollutants that are dangerous to health.

Eminox and its global presence

As the world of emissions solution technologies continues to evolve, and imminent future changes such as Euro 7 and Stage 6 become evident, Eminox continues to develop next generation solutions.

Based in the UK and established in 1978, it is proud of its heritage and legacy which reinforces its capabilities in this sector. With decades of experience, it now invests heavily in designing and developing agile solutions, to not only meet current emissions standards, but also develop technologies for the future. 

With a global presence, it is one of the most renowned names for delivering emissions solutions in the on-road, off-road, Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM), marine and rail sectors and for helping sectors and nations achieve global compliance regulations such as Euro 6, Stage 5, and IMO Tier III.

Already with an eye on Euro 7 and Stage 6, its engineering and design teams have different types of solution architects working to decipher the still somewhat ambiguous, proposed legislative changes that will undoubtedly shape the future of transport, fuel, and emissions.

With knowledgeable members of the team located in Europe, Singapore (serving the APAC region) and other global locations, Eminox can deliver effective and efficient solutions to rail, road, construction, and marine industries globally. 

Continuing to increase its portfolio of businesses, it acquired Eminox PTE last year, a dedicated fabrication company, which supports so many elements of its existing business as well as attracting its own varied client portfolio. 

With a team of leading experts in the field pushing future developments and working with governments and industry bodies to lobby change, Eminox will continue to be a pioneer of emissions solutions technologies for many years to come bringing reassurance and confidence to the industries in which it operates. 

Further information can be found by visiting www.eminox.com