Emissions control in the global light vehicles industry

Abstract

The technologies that enable emissions control and reductions in light vehicles are manifold and include several exhaust after-treatment systems that are increasingly being integrated, new combustion control approaches, hybrid and other powertrain systems, and a range of fuel-efficiency technologies that reduce the use of petroleum-derived fuels. Added to this, the increasing use of alternative fuels holds the promise of further reductions of toxic emissions.

This report examines the technologies that are being developed in the area of emissions control in the global light vehicles industry. It also analyses the strategies being implemented by passenger car manufacturers and their suppliers and the market and legislative influences that are driving change in the sector.

Description

This report examines the technologies that are being developed in the area of emissions control in the global light vehicles industry. It also analyses the strategies being implemented by passenger car manufacturers and their suppliers and the market and legislative influences that are driving change in the sector.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

MARKET DRIVERS

Health concerns

• Carbon monoxide
• Hydrocarbons
• Nitrogen oxides
• Particulate mass
• Formaldehyde
• Sulphur dioxide
• Lead

Regulations

• US
• Japan
• European Union
• South Korea
• Other countries
• Progress to date

Incentives

• North America
• Europe
• Japan

Reduction of greenhouse gases

MARKET BARRIERS

Fuel Quality

• Sulphur
• Aromatics and benzene
• Olefins
• Oxygenates
• Vapour Pressure

Cost

• Fuel quality
• Precious metals
• Urea for SCR

MARKET DYNAMICS AND FORECASTS

CURRENT AND PENDING EMISSIONS STANDARDS

European Union

• Emissions limits
• Durability requirements
• Test cycles
• On-board diagnostics

Japan

• Emissions limits
• Durability requirements
• Test cycles
• Evaporative Emissions
• On-board diagnostics

US

• Emissions limits
• Durability requirements
• Test cycles
• Onboard diagnostics

California

• Emissions limits
• Durability requirements
• Test cycles
• Onboard diagnostics

Other countries

Harmonisation of global standards

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS

Exhaust after-treatment

• Catalytic converters
• Selective catalytic reduction
• NOx adsorber catalyst
• Diesel particulate filters
• Integrated systems
• Exhaust gas recirculation

Combustion cycle technology

• Miller/Atkinson cycles
• Stratified charge combustion
• Homogeneous charge compression ignition
• Radical engine designs

Reducing internal combustion engine use

• Electric hybrids
• Plug-in electric hybrids
• Pneumatic hybrids
• Hydraulic hybrids
• Kinetic hybrids
• Idle-stop
• Cylinder deactivation

Fuel efficiency

• Supercharging
• Variable valve operation
• Direct fuel injection
• Spark plugs
• Efficient ancillaries
• Transmissions
• Tyres

Alternative fuels

• Ethanol
• Butanol
• Biodiesel
• Gas-to-liquids diesel
• Dimethyl ether

SUPPLIER PROFILES

• Bosch
• Corning
• Delphi
• Dow Automotive
• EMCON Technologies
• Emitec
• Johnson Matthey
• NGK
• Tenneco