In June 2020, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted a new rule requiring that diesel trucks and vans begin transitioning to zero-emission trucks starting in 2024. The law requires that 5% of all Class 7-8 trucks and 9% of all medium-duty trucks sold in the state be zero-emission starting in 2024. After that, each year after 2024, the percentage will increase until the industry can be fully electric. The CARB also requires that new trucks have the most effective exhaust control technology in place during the transition.

The change is intended to help improve air quality and reduce diesel emissions, especially in disadvantaged and polluted communities. According to CARB Chair Mary D. Nichols, “Diesel vehicles are the workhorses of the economy, and we need them to be part of the solution to persistent pockets of dirty air in some of our most disadvantaged communities. Now is the time – the technology is here, and so is the need for investment.”

The world has changed since this rule came into effect. The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged small businesses affected by shutdowns, supply chain issues, inflation, and record-high fuel prices. Making this switch right now for many companies is a big ask and one that is probably weighing heavily on fleet manager’s and small business owner’s minds. Electric trucks and vehicles are still costly, and finding extra money in the budget to upgrade your fleet towards electric may not be feasible.

What can you do to move your fleet toward zero emissions in 2024?
Transitioning towards zero emissions does not have to mean replacing your whole fleet with electric vehicles in the next few years. Instead, it means targeting your emissions first by reducing output. Right now, diesel trucks are the most significant source of air pollution from vehicles, accounting for 70% of smog-causing pollution and 80% of carcinogenic diesel soot in California, according to the CARB. So vehicle manufacturers, fleet managers, and small business owners must make changes to reduce these diesel emissions.

What role does the EATS system play?
Exhaust after-treatment systems (EATS) have long been the bane of the trucking world. EATS systems are specifically designed to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter emissions (PM). To do this, most trucks now have EATS systems that may include a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), diesel exhaust fluid injection (DEF), a selective catalytic reduction (SCR), or an exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR). Each of these systems are designed to catch particulates and exhaust before they are released into the air.

But over time, EATS systems build up with ash, soot, and particulate matter, clogging the engine and reducing fuel efficiency and performance. Trucks must be taken out of service for cleaning or filter changes to combat this problem. In addition, truckers must perform a forced regeneration on the road, accelerating the engine to an extremely high temperature to burn off the collected soot. These processes are time-consuming, expensive, and still release emissions.

How will the CARB’s rules affect your business?
The priority for fleet managers and trucks is to keep their trucks on the road and moving. But the more extensive EATS technology needed to meet CARB standards to reduce emissions will inevitably lead to more maintenance downtime for cleaning and filtering. Therefore, to meet the new CARB rules, truck OEM manufacturers will need to consider the EATS system needs more carefully and look for ways to make them more effective while reducing the need for filter changes and cleaning for truckers.

The new rules for fleet managers and small business owners are intended to guide your future truck decisions. The new rules aim to encourage businesses to invest in electric vehicles or trucks with improved emission efficiency and to look for ways to reduce their emissions now with their current fleet.

Chevron has a solution: Delo® 600 ADF engine oil
In response to these changes, Chevon has developed an ultra-low ash engine oil that helps prolong DPF service life, extend maintenance intervals, and reduce emissions. The Delo 600® ADF 15W-40 is a premium, high-performance long drain and mixed fleet synthetic engine oil. This engine oil meets the new API CK-4 and FA-4 diesel engine oils standards for 2017 government emissions. But this oil does more than meet the new standards. It also provides benefits such as:

  • Extended emission control system intervals: Users of Delo® 600 ADF can go two times longer between service intervals for their DPF filters without sacrificing effectiveness. This is a big win for small businesses and fleet managers who want to keep their trucks on the road and reduce maintenance costs.
  • Better fuel economy: Another benefit of Delo® 600 ADF is that it leads to less metallic ash building up in the DPF filter. This means that when a regen is necessary to clear out the filter, less fuel is used to improve your overall fuel economy.
  • Improved deposit control. This oil also features performing detergent and dispersant additives that help prevent deposit formation on pistons and in your turbocharger, so your engine continues to run efficiently.

Overall, the Delo® 600 ADF engine oil offers increased cleaning protection for your engine. It protects against deposit formation on your cylinders, pistons, rings, and valve trains, so your engine continues to run slowly. In addition, it reduces ash build-up in your DPF filter and helps reduce your emissions. It’s engine oil that truly takes your entire EATS system into account and helps keep your truck on the road with fewer emissions.

Greg’s Petroleum Service is here to help!
As we all grapple with the changes coming to the industry due to the CARB rule standards, our team is here to help. We offer lubricants to protect your vehicles, keep them running, and help you meet the new emissions standards. If you have questions about your fleet needs, call us. We’re happy to help find solutions for your fuel and lubricant needs!