EPA, Ford test promising clean diesel 
technology on passenger vehicles

ANN ARBOR, MI (02/02/05) -- The U.S. EPA and Ford Motor Company are exploring the potential for commercial application of a promising clean diesel technology that meets stringent EPA tailpipe emission standards and is more fuel-efficient than gasoline. This is the second phase of a research agreement between Ford and EPA to examine a new emissions control technology called Clean Diesel Combustion (CDC), which was developed and patented by EPA. 

"Diesel engines are an extremely attractive technology to help achieve EPA's future emissions standards," said Jeff Holmstead, EPA assistant administrator for air and radiation. "The challenge has been to maintain diesel's efficiency, while making the diesel ultra-clean in a cost effective manner. Moving these types of innovative technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace is essential, if we are to continue to improve air quality for all Americans."

Ford and EPA announced the agreement at EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich., where they showcased a Ford Galaxy minivan to demonstrate the clean diesel technology. The diesel minivan gets 30-40 percent better mileage than a gasoline minivan, while meeting EPA's emission standards for nitrogen oxide (NOx) of .07 grams per mile (Tier 2 bin 5). 

CDC is one of several emerging clean diesel technologies that promise to meet EPA's tailpipe emission standards and improve fuel economy in cars, SUVs and trucks. CDC technology achieves EPA NOx standards through a newly developed diesel combustion process that does not produce NOx during fuel combustion, thus avoiding the need for NOx controls in the exhaust system.

Currently, less than one percent of passenger vehicles in the United States are powered by diesel engines. In the future, however, clean diesel technologies such as CDC may allow more American consumers to benefit from diesel's performance, durability and fuel efficiency. Diesel is typically 25 to 40 percent more fuel efficient than gasoline.

The EPA-Ford partnership on Clean Diesel Combustion technology is occurring through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, which Congress established to facilitate technology transfer of patented inventions from national laboratories to industry and the marketplace. As a contractor to EPA, FEV Engine Technology Inc. assisted in the development of EPA's patented Clean Diesel Combustion technology.

More information on Clean Diesel Combustion technology is available online.