Bluetec being tested in Australian trucks

Diesel has copped a lot of flak in the media recently as an alternative fuel; some of it is justified, and some of it might make you think the authors are on a crusade. While diesel engines typically have better fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions, it’s no secret that NOx and more immediately harmful pollutants like particulates are increased, particularly in older engines. That might be about to change, though, with Mercedes’ Bluetec technology.

Six Australian trucks are being tested with the more stringent form of the BlueTec system, which not only uses a catalytic converter to reduce the amount of NOx in the exhaust, but also includes an additive called “AdBlue” which converts the remaining NOx into nitrogen and water vapour. The AdBlue solution is carried in a separate 80 litre tank, maintained at cost to the operators, however the solution is relatively inexpensive compared to other methods of reducing pollutants in diesel engines to the necessary levels. Given the new Australian Design Rules for heavy vehicles coming into effect in January 2008, based on the strict Euro IV regulations, this technology may show up on many more Australian trucks in the near future.

(Source: Daily Telegraph)

Peugeot to add a hybrid to its lineup

It’s no secret that Australia’s choices in hybrid cars are limited at best, so it’s always good news when a new one pops on to the market. The new Peugeot 308 will make its debut at Frankfurt in September, with the choice of either a petrol or turbocharged diesel engine as well as a hybrid diesel powertrain, according to CARSguide. The petrol and diesel models will be shown at the Melbourne Motor Show next March, with the hybrid likely to arrive in 2009. An E85-compatible model is also expected at some point, but is unlikely to be released in Australia due to the unavailability of E85 petrol.

The 308’s fuel economy and emissions numbers are impressive, with the smaller petrol model using 6.7L/100km for 88kW of power and the 2.0L diesel using only 5.5L/100km but providing up to 100kW. The HDi hybrid diesel engine’s numbers remain a point of some contention, with sources claiming anywhere between 4.5L/100km and as low as 3.4L/100km for the 1.6L, 66kW engine. Emissions for the diesel hybrid also vary between 90 and 120g/100km of carbon dioxide. One thing that is guaranteed on the HDi is the inclusion of an all-electric mode under 50km/h, as well as regenerative braking and a stop-start motor that switches the engine off when idling to conserve fuel. Prices for the new models have not yet been confirmed.

(Sources: Green Car Congress, CARSguide)

Hino releases hybrid truck

Road freight makes up a significant portion of Australia’s transport emissions, so it’s little wonder heavy vehicle manufacturers are looking for ways to reduce their fuel consumption. The Hino Hybrid, released this week at the Queensland truck and machinery show, shows that some companies in Australia are getting on with the job.

The Hino Hybrid’s recent marathon test run generated a fuel consumption of just 10.9L/100km over 512km of inner-city driving by virtue of combining its 110kW common-rail diesel engine with a 23kW electric motor and a start-stop system that turns the engine off when idling.

In a press release, Hino claimed that the new hybrid truck represented a 20 per cent saving in fuel consumption and 25 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions over similar-sized trucks. Additionally, the new truck reduces particulate emissions by up to 85 per cent.

The truck is designed to be most effective in urban driving conditions, where frequent idling in traffic and at red lights results in inefficient fuel use.

Holden launches Euro-4 compliant diesel Rodeo

Holden has used the Brisbane International Motor Show to launch, among other things, a new version of its Rodeo ute. The new Rodeo sports a 3.0 litre 4-cylinder common-rail diesel engine which outputs 120kW and up to 360 Nm of torque and is, according to Holden, the most powerful of its range. Importantly, and perhaps the main reason it’s featured here, it’s also compliant with the Euro-4 emissions standards. It’s good to see local manufacturers catching on and varying their engine line-up a little bit.

(via carsguide.com.au)