Dec 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Volvo Trucks North America's customers may now take advantage of a new feature to meet California's stringent low-emissions truck idling requirements. Volvo trucks equipped with this feature comply with California regulations, with the benefit of very low nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

Volvo's family of D11, D13, and D16 engines can be ordered with an optional Low NOx Idle, or LNI, feature. With LNI, Volvo engines are certified to emit 30 gr/hr or less of NOx while idling. California regulations prohibit trucks that do not meet this standard from idling for more than five minutes. Pennsylvania and New Jersey have adopted the requirement, and other states are considering it.

Volvo's LNI involves idling at a low 700 rpm, while also employing a low level of exhaust gas recirculation. This reduces fuel consumption compared with higher idle speeds, and lowers NOx emissions. It also provides faster engine warm-up, so the truck can be driven sooner after a cold start. Volvo engines can be safely idled for extended periods of time.

The Cummins ISX, available in some Volvo truck models, also meets the California NOx limits. So all engines built after January 1, 2008, for Volvo trucks are certified to meet the NOx idle limits. Volvo trucks with these engines are now in production.