Issue description
The quality of diesel fuel has an impact on the exhaust emissions primarily nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). The use of better diesel fuel qualities, especially with lower sulphur content, improves the functioning of after treatment equipment and reduces emissions from existing vehicles.
From January 1, 2005, a maximum sulphur content of 50 ppm is allowed for diesel fuels within the whole EU. From this date there is also a requirement that sufficient quantities of diesel fuel with a sulphur content of 10 ppm should be available. From January 2009 only fuels with a sulphur content of 10 ppm should be provided within the whole EU. By then the sulphur content in diesel and petrol fuels used for transport will be harmonised in the EU.
In the USA , Canada and Japan vehicle fuels are regulated and especially the content of sulphur. Low sulphur fuels are available to a large extent. In other parts of the world unregulated vehicle fuel qualities cause problems with after treatment equipment, service and maintenance, durability and predictability. Exhaust emissions are also increased.
Impact on the Volvo Group
Sulphur free diesel fuels are required for the functioning of Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and NOx reducing devices. These equipments serve to reduce the level of particulate emissions and NOx emissions.
Volvo Group’s position
- Volvo actively supports the introduction of sulphur free diesel fuel with a sulphur content of 10 ppm. When Euro IV and equivalent vehicles are used this sulphur free diesel fuel is necessary.
- Other fuel parameters should be in line with the recommendations in the World-wide Fuel Charter
http://www.acea.be/ACEA/WWFC_Dec2002_Brochure.pdf
- Volvo supports the phasing out of the lowest fuel qualities followed by a gradual introduction of low sulphur diesel fuel around the world.
- Low sulphur fuel will improve both the functioning of the diesel engines and their durability as well as the functioning of the after treatment.
- Volvo supports the aim to obtain harmonised fuels all over the world.
2003-10-20 Public Affairs