Volvo Trucks North America will use selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to achieve 2010’s extremely rigorous standards for emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by diesel engines.

SCR is an aftertreatment technology that involves injecting a water-based solution containing urea into the hot exhaust stream of an engine. The urea, in conjunction with a catalyst in the exhaust aftertreatment system, breaks down the NOx into harmless nitrogen and water vapor. Urea is an organic nitrogen-containing compound commonly used in agriculture as a fertilizer and is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a nonhazardous substance.
Volvo’s technology solution for 2010 will also include a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Volvo has employed EGR on its engines in North America since late 2002, while DPFs will be used starting in 2007 on Volvo’s new family of diesel engines.
Volvo also draws upon the Volvo Group’s extensive experience with SCR in Europe, where the technology is used to meet the Euro 4 emissions regulations. That experience includes more than 23 million test miles, as well as production for regular use by customers beginning this year. Volvo Trucks North America has also had customer field tests of SCR-equipped trucks operating in the United States since 2003.
“Our experience shows that this is the best technology to reduce NOx emissions to extremely low levels, while delivering the fuel economy, reliability and performance our customers demand,” said Peter Karlsten, president and CEO of Volvo Trucks North America. “Volvo is committed to working with the EPA, urea producers and distributors, and other stakeholders to ensure that everything is in place prior to 2010 for SCR.“
Volvo Trucks North America assembles its Volvo VT, VN and VHD trucks in the United States, at the New River Valley Plant in Dublin, Va. Volvo engines for North America are assembled in Hagerstown, Md.