What does Euro 6 mean?
Euro 6 is the latest standards introduced by the European Commission to regulate the level of pollutants released from the tail-pipes of vehicle engines. Euro 6 aims to reduce the levels of harmful emissions including nitrogen oxide (NOx), carbon monoxide and particulate matter – soot from diesel engines.
Different emission standards have been set for petrol and diesel engines. The permitted level of NOx emitted from a diesel engine has been dramatically cut by 55% from 180mg/km to just 80mg/km. However, the NOx limit for petrol engines has not been altered from the Euro 5 standards – at 60mg/km.
As of 1st September 2016, all new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) must be compliant with Euro 6 standards.
Understanding the science
In order to reduce the NOx produced by diesel engines, extra technology has been developed so that new vans are able to meet the new Euro 6 emissions standards. Three methods have been invented to ensure new diesel engines are compliant:
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (ERG)
ERG reduces NOx emissions by recirculating a percentage of the engine’s exhaust gas back to the engine cylinders.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
Typically used in smaller vans, the DPF works by capturing soot particles in the exhaust gas which are automatically burnt under high temperatures periodically to regenerate the filter and maintain exhaust gas emissions.
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
Most medium size vans and above, including pick-ups, are choosing to use SCR which uses a solution called AdBlue (also referred to as diesel exhaust fluid). This helps to convert nitrogen oxide intro nitrogen and water.
What is AdBlue?
AdBlue is a non-toxic, colourless liquid and is a solution of water and urea. Microscopic quantities of this liquid are injected into the flow of exhaust gas and when these combine, they produce nitrogen and oxygen – harmless gases that occur naturally in the environment by breaking down mono-nitrogen oxides (gases that can be harmful and are found in the fumes of diesel vehicles.)
How will AdBlue Affect Your Van?
Firstly, your van will need an extra tank to store the AdBlue solution. The tank is around 10-20 litres in volume and can take from 30kg up to 80kg of a van’s payload.
It will also be your responsibility to keep the AdBlue levels topped up and cover the costs, just like oil and water. Prices do vary but it typically costs around £8 – £20 a litre and can be purchased from most service stations forecourts and dealerships.
Euro 6 – the benefits to you
The good news is that with more refined engine technology you get increased engine efficiency, meaning better fuel economy and less frequent trips to the pumps. In addition, Euro 6 engines are typically more powerful than their Euro 5 counterparts.
The main aim of the Euro 6 standards is to reduce NOx, but the newly developed technology also reduces CO2 emissions. This could be helpful if the Government decide to change the road tax system for LCVs from the current fixed rate to one based on CO2 emissions. Similarly, if you run a fleet, decreasing your company’s carbon footprint could also help with taxation.
Finally, there is London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) which came into effect on 8th April 2019. All vehicles that don’t meet the exhaust emission standards (ULEZ standards) are now subject to a daily charge when travelling in central London, in addition to the Congestion Charge. Unlike the Congestion Charge, it will operate 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including weekends and public holidays. Fortunately, Euro 6 engines meet the ULEZ standards, so using a van that is Euro 6 compliant means you won’t find yourself subject to any additional charges.
If you travel into the ULEZ with a van that is not Euro 6 compliant, you will be charged an additional £12.50 per day. This means that vans travelling in central London during the business week could face an extra £62.50 per week or £3,250 per year.
What do you need to do to comply with the Euro 6 Standards?
Euro 6 legislation only applies to new vans. They have been in production from several manufacturers for some time now, so when you need to rent a new van, there will be a whole range of compliant vans, available from our friendly team, to choose from.
Check out Dawsongroup Van’s Euro 6 compliant vans here
