EPA to Curb DEF Shutdowns in New and Existing Trucks
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The Environmental Protection Agency is directing truck manufacturers to revise software in new and existing trucks to prevent engine shutdowns in cases where diesel exhaust fluid tanks run dry, a feature that has been present in most new trucks built since the 2010 model year.
That was the year most heavy-duty truck manufacturers introduced selective catalytic reduction emissions systems on their vehicles to comply with then-new nitrogen oxide limits. A key technical design element of those systems is a so-called “de-rate” function that gradually reduces the engine’s power if no DEF is detected in the system. The this feature is placing undue burden on many sectors of the trucking industry, and is therefore directing truck manufacturers to take action.
“We have heard loud and clear from small businesses across the United States that the current is unacceptable. It is unacceptable that farmers, truckers, construction workers and many other small businesses continually experience failures of diesel-powered equipment when they need it most — costing millions of dollars in lost productivity,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin in a news release. “Today, we are responding to those concerns by calling on manufacturers to take action to update their software and eliminate the unnecessary sudden loss of power and frustrating shutdowns that too many Americans have experienced.”
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Per the EPA, beginning with model-year 2027 trucks the agency will require all new diesel on-road trucks must be engineered to prevent engines from drastically losing power or shutting down after running out of DEF. For vehicles already on the road, EPA issued new guidance developed in collaboration with manufacturers to ensure that “necessary software changes” can be made on existing equipment. The agency noted that it will not require separate approvals beyond what is outlined in its guidance. “This ensures that bureaucratic steps do not delay manufacturers’ ability to put solutions into the field,” the agency said, adding that it “remains committed to protecting air quality and public health while ensuring that engine operators can depend on the equipment they need.”
RELATED:Diesel Exhaust Fluid Sensor Failures Sideline Thousands of Trucks
Per updated EPA guidance issued with the Aug. 12 release, when a truck initially runs out of DEF its engine torque will be reduced by 15% for 650 miles or 100 hours. If the tank still remains empty at that point, the system will de-rate the engine torque by 30% until 4,200 miles or another 80 hours of engine operation have elapsed. After that, the truck’s engine management system will be triggered to limit speed to 25 mph until 8,400 miles or 160 engine hours have passed.Under previous guidelines, a truck in the final stage of de-rate would be limited to 5 mph and would not restart once shut down.
Table showing new DEF rules for heavy-duty trucks. (Environmental Protection Agency)
The agency said, “EPA will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure practical, durable solutions that simultaneously support emissions reductions and reliable operations.”
American Trucking Associations .
“Trucking fleets across the country applaud EPA Administrator Zeldin for responding to the concerns of our industry and providing common-sense solutions that reflect the complexities and realities of trucking,” said ATA Vice President of Energy and Environmental Affairs Patrick Kelly. “EPA’s new guidance will avoid unnecessary towing costs and equipment downtime while preserving the full environmental benefits that selective catalytic reduction systems provide.”
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Volvo Group North America views the move as a positive step.
"Volvo Group believes the new strategy strikes the right balance between ensuring that potential system problems are addressed in a timely fashion and addressing customer concerns about the productivity impacts of the current inducements," said Janie Coley, the company's director of public relations.
She noted that EPA had industry input.
"We did speak with the EPA about the new guidelines, but the initiative was led by the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association," Coley said. "We don’t yet have a date for when fleets can expect to have their existing trucks updated. This will be a software-only fix, which can be done over the air for [model year 2020] and later vehicle models."
Zeldin was joined by U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler at the Iowa State Fair to announce the initiative.
“The Trump Administration is fighting for farmers and truckers, as evidenced by the EPA’s new DEF guidance, which is a big win for the millions of small businesses who rely on diesel engines,” Loeffler said.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins added, “This common sense reform will allow our agricultural producers to spend more time in the fields than in the repair shop. On behalf of farmers and ranchers across America, I want to thank Administrator Zeldin for taking this historic action today.”
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) commented, “Not only will the new guidelines save family-run farms hundreds of millions every year, but it is also simply common sense.”
Zeldin in a statement provided to TT added, "The Trump Administration will continue productive partnership with the trucking industry to deliver results that work for all Americans. The hardworking people of this great nation will continue to see common-sense deregulation that saves them money and time while protecting human health and the environment. We’re just getting started.”
