News

May 08, 2008

Clean Diesel Technologies Stands To Benefit From Tighter Emissions Controls

By Rue Swabey

In February, London’s previous mayor implemented a low-emission zone (LEZ) that requires all diesel vehicles over 12,000 tonnes entering London to be fitted with exhaust treatment systems or pay a £200 daily charge. This new scheme has proved a great business opportunity for US-based Clean Diesel Technologies, a developer of chemical and technological solutions that reduce harmful engine emissions. Clean Diesel has signed up 15 distributors to handle the interest generated by the need to refit an estimated 12,000 to 38,000 vehicles. So far the company has sold 2,000 units at an average price of £2,500.

The diesel vehicle market is growing fast. Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than petrol engines and release approximately 25 per cent less emissions. Rapid growth is expected in the US, where penetration is low at just four per cent. But the fuel’s efficiency carries a price in terms of human health, as diesel emissions like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are health hazards. Road transport is the single biggest source of these particulates – better known as soot - which...