A major step has been made in coach Euro VI retrofit with a breakthrough in how individual vehicle models are accredited.
Rather than requiring testing of each variant at Millbrook, it has been agreed that a more relaxed approach can be adopted. That will see “trusted” retrofit technology suppliers able to gain certification on an engine family basis.
That means where retrofit equipment for one engine in a family has been accredited by the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS), others in the same family can follow via a less onerous programme. That can involve on-road testing or the use of a portable emission management system.
Retrofit for Tourismo coach
Notably, the development also allows crossover between vehicle applications. The first example of that has been achieved by Eminox. At Coach & Bus UK it unveiled an accredited Euro VI retrofit solution for the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo.
Millbrook testing and accreditation for the OM 457 engine was undertaken on a refuse collection vehicle. Eminox regards that as the most challenging application.
“We then installed retrofit equipment into a Tourismo complete with telemetry and recreated the Millbrook route in Gainsborough. We shared the data with CVRAS. That gave it the confidence to accredit the Tourismo installation,” says Retrofit Sales Director Carlos Vicente.
“CVRAS adopts a pragmatic approach with Eminox because we do things correctly. We can show it via telematics that our system reduces NOx emissions to beyond the baseline. This development is significant because it reduces the cost of accreditation.”
Portfolio of products coming
Additionally, Mr Vicente has revealed Eminox’s commitment to having “a portfolio of accredited coach retrofit products.” They will be available off the shelf in time for the London Low Emission Zone’s move to a requirement for Euro VI in coaches and buses from 26 October 2020.
In addition to the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo and the Volvo B9R, both of which are already certified, those coach models that will be captured and which have been sold in the UK are:
- Irizar i6 integral with DAF PR engine
- Neoplan Starliner with MAN D26 engine
- Scania K 360 with DC09 engine
- Setra S416GT-HD with Mercedes-Benz OM 457 engine
- Volvo B12B and B12M, both with DH12E engine.
Additionally, a solution will be available for the Neoplan Cityliner with MAN D20 engine.
Operator/supplier engagement is key
Mr Vicente adds that Eminox will continue to monitor its portfolio of coach Euro VI retrofit products. If more are to be added it is important that operators both take up retrofit and also engage with Eminox to tell it what is needed.
More ‘engine family’ approvals for coach retrofit are likely, says Amir Rauf, Programme Manager Vehicle Retrofit at the Energy Saving Trust.
“As long as a body of evidence is presented showing that the retrofit equipment works across other engines in the same family, we can accredit them. Doing that makes gaining accreditation cheaper and simpler. But it definitely does not make it easier.
“The equipment supplier must still present one member of the engine family for testing at Millbrook. Operators should communicate with those companies to tell them what they want.”
Additionally, where a loose engine is supplied to more than one vehicle OEM, there is potential for a similarly relaxed accreditation process to apply.
