Medium & heavy-duty truck futures study considers possible inroads by spark-ignition, HCCI engines

Diesel Fuel News, Oct 27, 2003

Global Insight is launching a new study on future power-trains in medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including an analysis of potential evolution of spark-ignition (SI) engines as competition to diesels. While diesels have well-deserved reputations for fuel efficiency and durability, SI engines have an easier time meeting ultra-low emissions targets.

Since diesels tend to have lower exhaust temperatures, the additional energy required for catalytic exhaust clean-up will cut into diesel advantage versus gasoline, as study author Phil Gott explains. "We are looking at all possibilities--SI can't be ruled out as it might have been up to now," he said. For more info on the upcoming study, contact Gott at: 1-781-301-9141.