Compared with the current Euro 5 standard, Euro 6 requires that nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions be reduced by a further 66%, while soot particle emissions must be cut by half. In definitive terms, this corresponds to a reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions from 2.0 to 0.46 grams/kWh and soot particles to be reduced from 0.03 to just 0.01 gram/kWh. It is worth noting that , reducing nitrogen oxide and soot particle emissions will lead to pressure on fuel consumption and therefore also CO2-emissions.
New testing method
The challenges involved in realising Euro 6 are not solely a result of getting emission levels down β it is just as important that new, supplementary requirements are met. Euro 6 engines have to comply with the strict standards even at low engine temperatures, for example during a cold start. In addition, Euro 6 engines must remain within the emissions limits in day-to-day use for at least 7 years or until they reach 500,000 kilometres. Authorities will carry out random checks on Euro 6 trucks with hundreds of thousands of kilometres on the clock to test their emission levels.
DAF will be ready in time!
A quarter of the Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks delivered in the USA since summer 2010 are equipped with the 12.9-litre PACCAR MX engine with EPA10 specification, an engine that was developed and is manufactured by DAF. EPA10 is the current North American emissions legislation, closely related to Euro 6.
PACCAR MX engines for North America are equipped with SCR technology, exhaust gas recirculation and a soot filter, and experiences with these technologies have been evaluated for Euro 6. Based on this evaluation DAF is making the best choice to ensure maximum reliability, low fuel consumption and exceptional performance.
Our Euro 6 engines are being thoroughly tested in our Eindhoven engine testing centre and in day-to-day use in customer vehicles. DAF's Euro 6 development program is progressing just as planned.
No significant demand
For DAF it is never an objective in itself to be first on the market with a new technology. DAF is taking its time to ensure that the Euro 6 requirements are met in the best way possible.
The complete Euro 6 legislation has not yet been finalised at European level, and it is anticipated that it will not be possible to register Euro 6 vehicles under the legislation until the end of the first quarter of next year. As yet, there is no significant market demand for Euro 6. The technology is becoming increasingly complex and therefore also much more expensive. This is not compensated by financial incentives, such as a particularly favorable rate within the German Maut truck road tax system. And the way things are looking, no such Maut incentives are expected before the legislation comes into force.
There is currently no business case for Euro 6.
For this reason, DAF is not only working on Euro 6, but is also continuing to refine the tried and tested Euro 5 technology by introducing a large number of innovations to the successful 12.9-litre PACCAR MX Euro 5 engine.
New pistons, optimised fuel injection and a unique, fully encapsulated exhaust manifold unit ensure up to 3% lower fuel consumption and therefore lower CO2-emissions β and DAF is doing this here and now, with proven reliability and low operational costs. And in an ultra-clean EEV version if desired.
DAF is the only truck manufacturer that can supply all of its engine ratings in EEV specification, which reduces soot particle emissions by 33% compared with the Euro 5 engines.
As for Euro 6, we have already explained that we have the technology. Next year is when all will be revealed.