What’s new with Emissions Regulations for Heavy Duty Trucks?

As the world acknowledges the urgency of reducing total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, governments and regulatory agencies are moving toward the adoption of programs, polices and rules to achieve required reductions. Emissions from transportation sources have been identified as the second largest source of emissions in North America. Heavy duty trucks are known to make up a large percentage of emissions from this sector and as a response to managing this issue, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have released the second of two comprehensive regulations to govern the emissions from medium and heavy duty vehicles in the United States.

Better known as the Phase 2 GHG and Fuel Efficiency Regulation, the new rule is designed to provide more stringent standards than were established in the Phase 1 Rules (2014-2018) to increase fuel efficiency and GHG emissions from medium and heavy-duty vehicles and trailers. The rule sets performance based standards for meeting emissions and fuel efficiency requirements that allow multiple technology approaches [1] for vehicles from heavy duty pick-up trucks, delivery trucks, refuse vehicles all the way to heavy duty tractor trailers. The rule was developed over 2 years of industry and stakeholder consultations and finalized in August of 2016.

What does this mean for fleets?

The new Phase 2 rule applies to trailers in 2018 and engines and vehicles and trailers for model years 2021-2027. According to the EPA, the new rules will require vehicles in the medium and heavy duty classes to reduce GHG emissions in the range of 20-30% or approximately by 1.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, result in $170 billion in fuel cost savings and reduce oil consumption by 2 billion barrels [2]. The effort is estimated to cost between $19 and $31 billion dollars over the regulatory period ending in 2027.

What does this mean for OEMs?

To meet these standards diesel OEMs will have to invest in aerodynamics, and new technologies such as waste heat recovery systems, turbo compounding, improvements to exhaust gas recirculation, combustion and fuel injection systems [3]. It is expected that these management strategies will add some additional costs to diesel vehicles. For heavy duty tractors the additional costs are estimated at between $10,000 and $13,700 [4].

What does this mean for Westport Fuel Systems?

The rule also governs natural gas powered vehicles. The good news is that many of the commercially available medium and heavy duty natural gas vehicles already meet the Phase 2 Standards for carbon dioxide and methane emissions. Next generation natural gas engines, such as Westport ™ HPDI and Ultra Low NOx engines offered by Cummins Westport are already in development with improvements that will meet or exceed the Phase 2 Standards.

The inherent lower carbon properties of natural gas make natural gas vehicles an attractive alternative to their diesel counterparts, especially in the heavier vehicle categories. Because many of the available engines already meet the standards, the rule leaves natural gas engines well positioned as a cost effective compliance solution. While this rule has been developed for the United States, it is expected that Environment and Climate Change Canada will also adopt the rules as it has with the Phase 1 Rules in an effort to harmonize standards between the United States and Canada.

[1]EPA and NHSTA adopt standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel efficiency of medium and heavy duty vehicles for model year 2018 and beyond.” WPA, WPA-420-F-16-044, August 2016. https://www3epa.gov/otaq/climate/documents/420f16044.pdf

[2] EPA and NHSTA adopt standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel efficiency of medium and heavy duty vehicles for model year 2018 and beyond.” WPA, WPA-420-F-16-044, August 2016. https://www3epa.gov/otaq/climate/documents/420f16044.pdf

[3]United States efficiency and greenhouse gas emission regulations for model year 2018-2027 heavy-duty vehicles, engines and trailers.” ICCT Policy Update. August 2016. www.theicct.orghttp://www.theicct.org/sites/default/files/publications/US%20HDV%20Phase%202%20FRM_policy-update_08252016_vF.pdf
[4] United States efficiency and greenhouse gas emission regulations for model year 2018-2027 heavy-duty vehicles, engines and trailers.” ICCT Policy Update. August 2016. www.theicct.orghttp://www.theicct.org/sites/default/files/publications/US%20HDV%20Phase%202%20FRM_policy-update_08252016_vF.pdf

Karen Hamberg Recognized Nationally for Advancement of Sustainability and Clean Capitalism in Canada

Westport’s Vice President of Natural Gas Industry and Government Relations, Karen Hamberg, has been recognized nationally as a recipient of Canada’s Clean50 for 2017 in the Manufacturing and Transportation sector.

Karen Hamberg, Vice President of Natural Gas Industry and Government Relations


Canada’s prestigious Clean50 Awards are announced annually by Delta Management Group and the Clean50 to recognize those 50 individuals or small teams, from 16 different categories, who have done the most to advance the cause of sustainability and clean capitalism in Canada over the past two years.Canada’s Clean50 for 2017 includes notable Canadians Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta and Glen Murray, Ontario's Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

“Delta’s criteria in the selection of Honourees was to carefully consider actual measurable accomplishments, demonstrated innovation, collaboration with other organizations, and the power of the Honouree’s contribution to inspire other Canadians to take similar action.  Ms. Hamberg was chosen after rigourous screening and investigation by Delta Management with advice from internal researchers and external advisors, and was among Honourees selected from an initial pool of over 500 well-qualified nominees. These individuals are rarely waiting for regulations to drive their organization forward – but are leading by example and harnessing sustainability as a force for innovation. The 2017 Clean50 are true leaders and should be an inspiration for all Canadians” said Gavin Pitchford, CEO, Delta Management Group.

Westport Fuel Systems is leading the transition to a low carbon economy by designing next-generation alternative fuel engine and vehicle technologies that offer significant environmental benefits. The transportation sector is facing an unrelenting pressure to innovate with new greenhouse gas regulations introducing a compelling opportunity for gaseous-fuel product solutions powered by natural gas, propane, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen. The substitution of natural gas for petroleum-based fuels drive a reduction in harmful combustion emissions such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and greenhouse gases, in addition to the economic benefits of a low-cost and abundant fuel.

After joining Westport in 2001, Karen has held multiple leadership positions in Corporate Strategy, Market and Competitive Intelligence, Sustainability and Environmental Performance, and Natural Gas Industry and Government Relations. . Karen is also a member of the United Way of the Lower Mainland Campaign Cabinet and a Board Member of Calstart in Pasadena, California and the Van Horne Institute at the University of Calgary.

“Sustainability is at the core of Westport Fuel Systems’ business,” says Chief Executive Officer Nancy Gougarty. “Our ability to deliver solutions to global energy, climate, and air quality concerns is the result of individuals like Karen who are ensuring the shift to alternative fuel-powered transportation will be realized.”

As developments in GHG emission reduction regulations shift the transportation sector toward alternative fuels, Karen and the Westport Fuel Systems Team will continue to develop best-in-class technology solutions for customers around the world.

Congratulations to Karen Hamberg and the Westport Fuel Systems team!



To view the full list of Canada’s Clean50 for 2017 visit http://bit.ly/2crj5bK