The environmental impact from truck use is mainly due to exhaust emissions, which in turn are governed by fuel consumption, fuel quality, combustion techniques and exhaust after-treatment.
Compared with other engines, the diesel engine in our trucks is very energy efficient. During combustion, the temperature level is high and there is a surplus of air. The combustion is almost complete. The hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide levels in the exhaust gases are low compared with petrol ('otto') engines.
On the other hand, a diesel engine produces more oxides of nitrogen and particles than an otto engine. By monitoring combustion, the balance between hydrocarbons/carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides can be regulated.
Diesel fuel has a higher energy value than petrol, but, on the other hand, it contains higher levels of sulphur and aromatic hydrocarbons. Currently, low-sulphur fuel can only be found in some countries (Sweden, Finland and the United Kingdom).