Low Emission Vehicle Technology for Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle and European Stage 3 Emissions Standards

Abstract

Technology to meet the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) ultra low emissions vehicle (ULEV) legislation is being developed by most major vehicle manufacturers. To achieve the required reduction in cold start emissions, mainly HC and CO, compared to current three-way catalyst (TWC) technology, very early catalyst light-off has to be achieved. Electrically heated catalysts (EHC) have shown good potential, together with exhaust gas igniters (EGI) and close-coupled catalysts. A ‘total system’ approach has been demonstrated to achieve significant Federal test procedure (FTP) emissions reductions based on EHC, reduced thermal inertia manifolds and advanced engine control technology. This paper evaluates the suitability of ULEV technology to the European Commission (EC) stage 3 emissions standards. Proposed changes to the European test cycle are discussed and their effect on emissions quantified.