Coinciding with the launch of a Clean Air Zone in Bath, Zemo Partnership has refreshed its guide on retrofitting existing vehicle fleets to cut emissions and meet air quality standards.
The Clean Vehicle Retrofit Technology Guide aims to give vehicle operators and local authorities an understanding of national air quality frameworks for reducing roadside NO2 concentrations. It provides case studies using a range of retrofit technologies that achieve Euro VI-equivalent levels of emissions through the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS).
The Guide covers technologies accredited for buses, coaches, trucks, refuse collection vehicles and black cabs as well as installations that are applicable to vans and minibuses.
NOx abatement technologies, such as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Euro VI engine repower can provide cost-effective alternatives to purchasing new CAZ or ULEZ-compliant vehicles – and retrofitting a fully electric drivetrain will eliminate tailpipe emissions – all to accredited standards.
Case studies and total cost of ownership examples for accredited technologies are included in the guide to direct readers to the most suitable solution.
Zemo Partnership (formerly LowCVP) project manager, Dan Hayes, said: “Cleaning the air is one of the most urgent challenges we face and the introduction of the UK’s first Clean Air Zone – following London’s ULEZ and Glasgow’s LEZ – will help to focus more minds on how we can tackle this challenge.
“Retrofit solutions have been one of the key ’tools in the box‘ to help owners of existing vehicles meet the strengthening emissions requirements without completely replacing their fleet in one go.
“Twenty years ago the uptake of particulate traps was accelerated in this way and, today, NOx reduction technologies (mandated on all new vehicles) are now available to be retrofitted to a wide range of commercial vehicles. With funding support available in many local areas, retrofitting can be an attractive option for hard pressed operators to clean up emissions from existing vehicles.”
Nick Harvey, senior programme manager at Energy Saving Trust added: “Delivered with Zemo Partnership, the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS) provides valuable assurance for operators of buses, coaches, heavy goods vehicles, minibuses, taxis and vans to help identify which companies and emission reduction systems best suit their needs while conforming to the requirements of clean air zones. The introduction of clear air zones is welcomed as we work towards improving local air quality and lowering carbon emissions.”
