Renault Is The Latest Manufacturer To Be Dragged Into The Emissions Scandal
It’s probably safe to assume that every manufacturer that uses diesel engines is getting a little nervous right now. Following Volkswagen’s admission that it faked emissions tests for its diesel engines, regulators have been checking to see if anyone else has been duping tests. Now, DUH (the German Environmental Agency) is pointing the finger at Renault, specifically its 1.6-litre diesel engine found in the Espace.
DUH reports that the Renault Espace diesel was recorded emitting 25 times more nitrogen oxide than the current Euro-6 limit allows. The inspections were undertaken using new European test cycles in five separate tests with a warm engine.
DUH believes that the current legislature in place in Europe makes it too easy for manufacturers to get away with duping consumers. In its statement, DUH quoted Axel Freidrich, co-founder of the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), saying “[we] need a comprehensive reorganisation of the system, in which mandatory regular controls on the street are integrated.” The ICCT wants emissions testing to take place in real world conditions, with customer cars being checked rather than those supplied by manufacturers.
Renault has so far not commented on the news, however it’s no surprise to see more manufacturers being dragged into the scandal. The big question is: how many more engines will be found to have illegal emissions levels? Furthermore, if it’s as widespread as we all suspect, how will it affect manufacturers that don’t have the resources of VW to compensate customers and pay fines? This story won’t go away any time soon, of that we can be sure.
Comments
What about the 1.5dCi ? that sells by the million, since it’s also found in the Merc A-Class and several Nissan models.
I doubt that it would be the problematic one. Its old engine being sold for long time. I think someone would discover it.
The reason behind the issue is that NOx is reduced by adding EGR. EGR can only be added on part throttle, reducing pumping loses in engines with a throttle butterfly, increasing mass in the cylinder therefore lowering flame burned temperature (NOx production is very sensitive to flame temp). Add EGR at full throttle (IE 100% volumetric efficiency) and you have a poor performing and potentially missfiring engine, VAG’s ‘defeat device’ would’ve chucked in more EGR than normal in test conditions resulting in a car that had lower performance on full throttle compared to normal mode. The manufacturers get good results in NEDC test by adding a load of EGR at light throttle (unlike VAG who seem to have added much more all the time in test mode). Drive it in real life with more open throttle, EGR valve closes and there you have a huge amount of NOx production. A solution to this is… well. Add more fuel and run it richer. But then you produce more C02 and the world cries again. But the world needs to wake up and smell the coffee, EVERY manufacturer’s diesel engines produce much more NOx in real world driving than on the NEDC test. The test is irrelevant, ridiculous and pointless.
Are the standards too high? Or is it time for diesels to go byebye?
who belives the germans nowadays ? we have and european economy crisys and migrant crysis because of them and they spyed the whole continent . and besides who cares ?
This was bound to happen, DUH! (pun intended)
Came to the comments looking for DUH jokes XD
What is interesting, is that planes, that are way closer to the atmosphere, let out times more emissions, and nobody does anything. Reason: Planes are not covered by taxes, cars are. The difference between the actual amount of emission gases an claimed amount is really not so big, but since it is over the maximum limit for a lower tax in many countries, automotive companies use special devices that on dyno give lower numbers, than on road
If Renault does that and Volkswagen does the same, then imagine Lada…