2026-04-19
Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus (VWCO) is conducting tests using B100 soybean-based biodiesel in heavy-duty diesel engines as part of its efforts to evaluate lower-carbon fuel alternatives compatible with existing internal combustion engine (ICE) platforms. The tests aim to assess engine performance, durability and emissions behavior using 100% biodiesel without fossil diesel blending.
2026-03-21
In March, the government of India released the draft proposal for TREM V emission norms, setting in motion what could become the most significant regulatory transition for the off-highway sector since the adoption of TREM IV.
Covering construction equipment, agricultural machinery, mining vehicles, and gensets, the proposed norms represent a decisive push towards global alignment, tighter emission control, and advanced digital monitoring.
TREM V aims to sharply reduce particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and ultrafine particle emissions by mandating technologies such as diesel particulate filters (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, enhanced engine calibration, and robust onboard diagnostics. While this brings India closer to frameworks like EU Stage V, it also sets the stage for a disruptive cost cycle for OEMs and customers alike. Early estimates indicate that machine prices may rise between US$ 1,600-US$ 3,200 (₹1.5–3 lakh) depending on horsepower and engine configuration, creating immediate uncertainty around demand planning and inventory strategies.
2026-02-24
In the February 2026 issue of the Alternative Power Report produced by Power Systems Research and authored by Guy Youngs, you’ll find articles on Tesla committing suicide by shifting away from auto productions, Germany’s new stance on hydrogen, new 4X power sodium-ion batteries, Europe’s hydrogen bus experiment, and Mercedes introducing a new solution to cut pollution. Read these articles and more in the February Alternative Power Report today. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
2025-12-08
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is moving forward with the 2027 timeline for its heavy-duty NOx rule—currently set to take effect with the 2027 model year—but says changes are in store.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA), National Tank Truck Carriers, Truckload Carriers Association, and 49 state trucking associations in August penned a letter to EPA, asking the regulator to push implementation to 2031, citing “substantial compliance costs and operational burdens at a time when the trucking industry is already contending with historically difficult market conditions.”
Administrator Lee Zeldin in March announced that the EPA was reevaluating the Biden-era 2022 Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle rule that regulates oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and other emissions beginning with Model Year 2027.
2025-10-19
Iveco has unveiled the Daily Multifuel concept, a light commercial vehicle capable of operating on ethanol, CNG, or biomethane. It’s positioned as a low-emission alternative to diesel for urban cargo transport. Tested in 3.5- and 7.2-ton versions, the model uses the FPT Industrial F1C 3-liter Otto-cycle engine, rated at 100 kW (136 hp) and 35.7 kgfm of torque. The engine integrates dual fuel-injection systems — one for liquids such as ethanol and another for gaseous fuels — and was developed in cooperation with Unesp, UFPA, and UNIFEI.
European carmakers sold 38% more electric cars in the first seven months of this year, ensuring that all but Mercedes-Benz are on track to comply with the EU’s 2025–27 emission targets, new T&E research finds
The report suggests that the two-year extension of the targets allowed carmakers to take the foot off the gas and will lead to 2 million fewer electric cars being sold between 2025 and 2027
2025-08-16
Vietnam, a country known for its large number of motorcycles, is experiencing controversy over its electric vehicle policy. The policy bans gasoline-powered motorcycles in certain areas of Hanoi, the capital, and has caused a stir. Honda, which holds an 80% share of the local motorcycle market, must rethink its strategy because most of its models run on gasoline. This sudden policy change could also disrupt daily life for residents.
In July, the Vietnamese government outlined bold measures to regulate gasoline-powered motorcycles in “Prime Ministerial Directive No. 20.” Starting in July 2026, operating gasoline-powered motorcycles within the Inner Ring Road in Hanoi will be banned. The Inner Ring Road spans over seven kilometers and includes the city center, home to government offices, the Japanese embassy, and the historic Old Quarter, a popular tourist destination.
In July, the Trump administration proposed a draft rule rolling back the Greenhouse Gas Phase 3 rule, among the last of – if not the biggest – looming Biden-era emissions regulations facing the trucking industry.
The proposal was announced jointly with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator (EPA) Lee Zeldin’s call to revoke the Endangerment Finding that has allowed presidential administrations to regulate greenhouse gases since 2009.
The repeal of greenhouse gas regulations is a long road that includes a lengthy rulemaking process and likely numerous legal challenges.
2025-05-24
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a UN agency which regulates maritime transport, has voted to implement a global cap on carbon emissions from ocean shipping and a penalty on entities that exceed that limit.
The agreement makes the shipping industry the first sector to agree on an internationally mandated target to reduce emissions along with a global carbon price. The agreement includes standards for greenhouse gas intensity from maritime shipping fuels, with those standards starting in 2028 and reducing through 2035. The end goal is to reach net-zero emissions in shipping by 2050
2025-04-25
Brussels, Belgium. Registrations of power 2-wheelers across the top 10 markets in Europe were down 19% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period of 2024. This result is mainly a consequence of the introduction of the Euro 5+ emissions standards on Jan. 1, 2025, and it was anticipated after the very positive results of 2024.
Germany, Austria and the UK saw the harsher decreases, reporting respectively a -41%, -27% and -22% compared to last year. On the other hand, Switzerland limited the loss to -6%, while Poland and Spain were the only countries to report positive growth, +3% and + 6%.
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