In-use emissions report for Achates heavy-duty OP diesel shows substantial margin to most stringent EPA NOx proposed regulation

Achates Power has released initial in-use NO_x measurements from the cleaner, heavy-duty diesel engine it developed in a project funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and several partners. Achates Power previously announced the opposed-piston has entered fleet service with WALMART Corporation in a Peterbilt 579 tractor. (Earlier post.)

It is the only diesel engine operating on the road capable of meeting CARB’s 2027 regulation, which requires a 90% reduction in NO_x emissions compared to current standards. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released its proposed rule to lower NO_x emissions levels for commercial vehicles across the entire United States. (Earlier post.) Option 1 from EPA is similar in many respects to the CARB regulation.

Both CARB and EPA have introduced Low Load requirements, in-use NO_xmeasurement updates, and limits on permissible real-world emissions.

Before entering fleet service, the 400 hp, 10.6L 3-cylinder (6 pistons) engine was extensively tested, and the ultra-low emissions and improved fuel efficiency were measured and confirmed at the Aramco Research Center-Detroit. The University of California, Riverside (UCR) provided the in-use emissions measurements, using a Portable Emissions Measurements System (PEMS).

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