Ten things fleet operators should know about Euro VI

1. What is Euro VI?

Euro VI is the most comprehensive EU standard to date on the reduction of
emissions from commercial vehicles. As compared with Euro 5, particle emissions
are to be reduced by 66% and nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) by even 80% over the
existing exhaust-gas standard. Euro VI will further tighten up the acceptable amounts
of nitrogen oxides, total hydrocarbon, non-methane hydrocarbons and particulate
matter that vehicles of different classes can emit.
2. When will Euro VI come in to force?
Euro VI, comes into force on January 1st 2014 and demands significant reductions in
the hydrocarbon, nitrous oxide and particulate emissions made by all heavy duty
diesel engines registered after that date. All newly registered trucks in Europe must
meet this standard. The completed Euro VI regulation with all regulatory details was
adopted in January 2012. Euro VI certification has actually been available across the
European Union since April 2012.
3. What is specifically regulated with Euro VI?
Pollutants and emissions from vehicles will be reduced to a minimum. With the
introduction of Euro VI, a new standardised test method for measuring pollutant
emissions will also enter into force. Manufacturers must certify in the future, that the
exhaust gas limits of their commercial vehicles are complied with for at least 700,000
km or seven years. Furthermore, regulations will apply for permanent monitoring of
exhaust-gas management as well as for opening up servicing and repair instructions
to maintenance providers, this will undoubtedly require further investment for vehicle
maintenance workshops.
4. How reliable will Euro VI vehicles be?
Meeting the demands of maintaining the Euro VI standard will require a high
standard of technical effort. Based upon modern engine and injection technologies,
the elements of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), selective catalytic reduction (SCR)
and diesel particle filters should ensure compliance with the Euro VI exhaust gas
limits. Most of the major truck manufacturers developed these technologies and
successfully established them in the European market many years ago. However the
maintenance is certainly going to be of a high standard and the requirement of up to
date diagnostic equipment will be a fundamental aspect of maintaining these
vehicles.
The reality is no-one really knows how reliable Euro VI vehicles will be, but it would
be logical to assume that they should certainly not be any less reliable than previous
Euro standard vehicles.

5. Will Euro VI also increase the fuel consumption?

Truck manufacturers have continuously reduced the fuel consumption of their
engines a necessity with the price of fuel today, whilst continually having to fulfill
raised emission requirements, which have undoubtedly impacted negatively on fuel
consumption due to their operating principle.
The reality is that to achieve the higher standard engines will use more fuel because
they will be running hotter. Generally, it must also be appreciated that fuel
consumption is the result of other factors; such as aerodynamics, drive train design,
rolling friction and vehicle handling have an even greater impact. Commercial vehicle
operators can influence these factors by choosing a suitable vehicle configuration
with the appropriate engine and drive train specification, driver and eco-efficiency
training, telematics and correct vehicle setup (tyre pressures/ tracking and wheel
alignment /condition).
6. How much?
Manufacturers and the industry are indicating an increase of up to 10.5K/vehicle for
the engine alone of course other factors may also influence the final cost of the new
vehicles.
7. What are the benefits of Euro VI?
Euro VI vehicles are meant to be extremely environmentally friendly and practically
pollution-free. Euro VI vehicles could probably be seen as a contribution towards the
sustainable transportation of goods.
8. What are the disadvantages with operating Euro VI vehicles?
The major downside will be the higher purchase price for Euro VI trucks. Servicing
and maintenance costs will increase due to the higher diagnostics necessary for Euro
VI exhaust-gas management as well as the replacement/cleaning of the particulate
filter elements. Some vehicle types may also require additional space for the Euro VI
exhaust-gas system which may cause restrictions for bodies and attachments.
Additionally the current payload could be compromised due to the additional weight
of the Euro VI exhaust-gas system.
9. Will the servicing and repair costs for trucks and buses increase with Euro
VI?
Difficult to assess at this time, however vehicle servicing costs should not change
when compared to Euro 5/EEV. However the diagnostics and servicing work on the
exhaust-gas system will undoubtedly add to costs. It is likely that spares costs will
increase and the impact of downtime will need to be borne in mind - new technology
always result in glitches and gremlins when introduced into the real world, and the
question of spares availability may possibly be an issue. Whilst vehicles will be
covered by the manufacturers warranty, operators may well need to consider
additional downtime initially
10. Will residual values suffer for earlier Euro standard engines
Based on the industries current requirement for Euro 5/EEV engined vehicles the
answer to that question would be no The world market for used commercial
vehicles remains high for all previous euro standards the rest of the world are still
seeking basic, non-complicated engines.