Standardization can lower CO2 emissions

Powertrains in motor vehicles are undergoing massive changes. In addition to electromobility, there are several alternatives for reducing CO₂ vehicle emissions. The standardization of vehicle aspects can make a decisive difference here. But the requirements for gas-powered and fuel cell vehicles, or AdBlue to reduce NO_X emissions, are also being standardized in this area. Standards define fundamental requirements for quality and safety, help to reduce costs, and enable interoperability and compatibility. They provide investment security, and compliance with standards ensures market acceptance. In the context of alternative drive technologies, this is, above all, of decisive importance for customer acceptance.

Project development of standards in vehicle aspects, powertrains, and alternative fuels is covered at ISO by TC22/SC34 "Propulsion, powertrain, and powertrain fluids" and by TC22/SC41 "Specific aspects for gaseous fuels." The committees are mirrored on a national level in the automotive technology standardization body, AA34 "Drives, powertrains, and powertrain fluids."

With their structure, the committees cover all facets of standardization in vehicle aspects, powertrains, and alternative fuels. This ranges from filters to additives for NO_X reduction and water injection, to all aspects of gas-powered vehicles.

The committees are concerned with the following topics:

• Fuel filters
• Automotive air filters
• Piston rings
• Piston pins
• Additives for lowering NO_x (AdBlue)
• Gas-powered vehicles
• Water injection
• Performance of portable emission measuring systems (PEMS).

The section on filters deals with both fuel and automotive air filters, the latter for both the interior and exterior. For example, uniform test procedures and conditions are developed and specified to enable laboratories to compare air filters.

In the case of additives for NO_X reduction, the main focus is on quality requirements, which must be defined and recorded by standards. In addition, test procedures for the quality of the NOx reducing agent are addressed. The handling, transportation, and storage of the additives for NO_X reduction are equally covered, as is the refill interface.

The group working on gas vehicles deals with the standardization of gas-powered road vehicles. Requirements for LNG-fueled vehicles are defined and specified, as are the requirements for CNG-fueled vehicles.

New approaches to water injection in the engine are also being addressed, with corresponding new standardization projects being established.

Last but not least, standardization also deals with PEMS (portable exhaust emission measurement systems) and defining procedures for their performance evaluation. These are used for measuring the emissions of light commercial vehicles on the road, based on a common test procedure that simulates the various conditions that occur during on-road tests.

Further information on standardization topics in vehicle aspects, powertrains, and alternative fuels, on the ISO/TC22/SC37 and ISO/TC22/SC41 and NA 052-00-37 AA committees, and on the standards published in this field are available at: