GreenMan Technologies says its American Power Group Inc. subsidiary has received a Vehicular Memorandum of Exemption and eleven initial Test Exemptions from the U.S. EPA for the testing and verification of APG's unique non-invasive dual-fuel upgrade system for aftermarket diesel truck and tractor engines.

APG's dual-fuel system converts diesel engines and generators to function more efficiently and at a lower operating cost by seamlessly displacing 40-70 percent of the diesel fuel normally consumed with CNG, LNG, or bio-methane.

APG's system is said to be non-invasive to the OEM engine and operates within all OEM performance controls with the flexibility to return to 100 percent diesel operation at any time. APG's dual-fuel conversion and emissions reduction systems can help users achieve their sustainability goals through lower carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter emissions, APG claims.

In addition, the introduction of natural gas through APG's dual-fuel system does not impact diesel engine performance and will also assist in extending the engine's oil life as natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel compared to diesel.

In a press release, APG said the initial test exemptions will allow engineers to gather critical engine performance and emission data on a pre-dual-fuel and post-dual-fuel basis to support EPA approval requirements prior to commencing commercialization of their dual-fuel upgrade system in the United States.

The initial vehicles to be tested include nine Class 8 tractors with various Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, and Mack engine models ranging in age from 1994 to 2005. The company also plans to test a 2008 Ford F450 Pickup and a 2004 Sprinter Van with a Mercedes Benz engine. Both compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid natural gas (LNG) fueling systems will be tested.

"In a year when APG has successfully conducted aftermarket trials and is beginning commercialization of our vehicular dual fuel solution in many international markets, the granting of these initial test exemptions in the United States is a major strategic milestone for APG," says Lyle Jensen, GreenMan's president and CEO. "We now have a path to demonstrate and document the positive economic and environmental impact that our dual-fuel system can have on aftermarket diesel vehicles operating on the highways of North America."

More info: www.americanpowergroupinc.com