Air Pollution

ULEZ London April 2019

London Drivers – Get Ready for the ULEZ Starting 8th April 2019

London Drivers – Get Ready for the ULEZ Starting 8th April 2019 https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ulez-2019-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

In just over a month’s time, on 8th April 2019, the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) will come into force in London as part of Mayor Sadiq Kahn’s longer term plan to tackle the dangerously high levels of air pollution in our Capital.

At present, motorists driving in London face the long-established Congestion Charge as well as the more recent Emissions Surcharge, or Toxin-Tax for vehicles not reaching the required emissions standard.

Next month, the Toxin-Tax will be replaced by the Central London ULEZ. It will operate continuously, 24/7 across the existing central London Congestion Charge Zone, and drivers’ vehicles must meet a strict emissions standard, or pay a charge.

ULEZ 2019 map

The vehicles affected are:

  • Cars (petrol and diesel)
  • Vans, minibuses and lighter specialist vehicles
  • Motorcycles, mopeds and more
  • Lorries, coaches and other larger vehicles

The emissions standards are:

  • Euro 4 for petrol cars and vans (roughly more than 14 years old in 2019)
  • Euro 6 for diesel cars and vans (roughly more than four years old in 2019)
  • Euro 3 for motorcycles and mopeds
  • Euro VI for lorries, buses and coaches

The charges are:

  • £12.50 per day for cars, motorcycles and mopeds, and vans with £160 fine for failing to pay on time (reduced to £80 if you pay within 14 days)
  • £100 per day for lorries, buses/coaches, with a £1,000 fine for failing to pay on time (reduced to £500 is paid within 14 days)

Check your vehicle now on the TFL website: click here.

There are some exemptions – see here including a grace or ‘sunset’ period for residents extending to 24th October 2021.

Don’t forget

The ULEZ is in addition to the £11.50 Congestion Charge which applies from 7am-6pm Monday to Friday (excluding public & bank holidays), and the LEZ (Low Emission Zone) Charge for heavy diesel vehicles which operates 24/7 across most of Greater London.

The Next Phase

The ULEZ will be expanded from the 25th October 2021 to the North and South Circular roads, covering all the inner London boroughs.

ULEZ map

The 2019 and 2021 ULEZs – click to download PDF

“We’re doing everything in our power to tackle this issue and are starting to see improvements in air quality with the wide-ranging action we’ve taken already on tackling the most polluting cars, and cleaning up our bus and taxi fleet. An expanded Ultra-Low Emission Zone, in conjunction with the Central London ULEZ, will really help transform the air that millions of Londoners breathe.”

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

Clean sweep

A £23m scrappage fund has been set up but only for small businesses with no more than 10 employees to encourage them to switch from their dirty vans to cleaner vehicles. Grants of £3,500 are available for every older van replaced by a Euro6 vehicle, and a £6000 grant towards the purchase and running costs of an electric van. Full details can be found here on the TfL website. Kahn is pressuring the government to extend this to low income households.

Real World Benefits

Whilst TfL predicts just a 5% drop in car traffic in central London in response to the ULEZ, they anticipate that after one year, harmful emissions of NOx and Particulate Matter will have been reduced by 45% in central London and 40% in the surrounding areas. When the ULEZ expands in 2021, this should give a further 20% reduction across London. In real terms, this means over 100,000 fewer people will be living in areas with NO2 pollution exceeding legal limits, and 71% fewer schools will be in areas of illegal air pollution.

Combine this with significant investment in fully electric buses, London’s taxi fleet on track to be the greenest in the world, and ULEZ-style roll-outs across other key cities including Birmingham, Leeds, York, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Manchester and Newcastle, Sheffield and Bath, London is paving the way in the greening of our cities.

Taking Charge

Thankfully the vehicle manufacturers are redoubling their efforts to including hybrid and electric vehicles in their ranges – indeed, they’re the hot topic in this year’s Geneva Motor Show currently taking place.

Here at WVL we have a number of low emission vehicles for you to test drive, including the fantastic hybrid MINI Countryman PHEV, and the 2019 European Car of the Year: the electrifying Jaguar I-PACE. Call 01753 851561 to talk to us about eco options for your next vehicle and join the growing movement towards cleaner air and sustainable motoring!

ULEZ

ULEZ, New Charges & Changes to Drive Air Pollution Down

ULEZ, New Charges & Changes to Drive Air Pollution Down https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/ulez-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Plans, legislation changes, and charges are stepping up a gear in London as Mayor Sadiq Kahn has revealed new proposals for the ongoing improvement to air quality and emissions standards across London. The Toxin Charge already in force is to be replaced on 8th April 2019, by the ULEZ – Ultra Low Emissions Zone – a clean air zone monitored 24/7 across the capital’s existing Congestion Charge Zone.

This new charge will affect a far wider range of vehicles than the current restrictions – for example, two-wheel vehicles are to be included – and vehicles not meeting the ULEZ standards will be charged £12.50 per day to drive into the Zone.

ULEZ phase 1

The ULEZ standards are proposed as follows:
• Euro 3 for motorcycles & mopeds
• Euro 4 for petrol cars, vans & minibuses
• Euro 6 for diesel cars, vans & minibuses
• Euro VI for lorries, buses & coaches.

As a guide, nearly all petrol vehicles manufactured since 2005 will be ULEZ compliant; your V5C (vehicle registration document) will give information on your vehicle’s Euro emission standard.

Check your vehicle now on the TFL website: click here.

ULEZ – Phase 2

Restrictions will be tightened across a wider range of heavy vehicles from October 2020, and, as a further drive towards cleaner air in the capital, Kahn has announced that the ULEZ will be extended outwards as far as the North and South Circulars by October 25th, 2021.

ULEZ phase 2

Full details can be found here – including information on transition discounts for residents of the areas being incorporated.

The new measures are predicted to affect over 100,000 cars, 35,000 vans and 3,000 lorries every day. Critics say it will be the final straw for small businesses. But for the 100,000+ Londoners who will no longer live in areas where the air they breathe exceeds the legal limits for pollution, it’s a vital move forward. Further data shows over 9,000 Londoners die prematurely each year as a direct result of air pollution, and that it creates a £3.7billion drain on London’s economy – there’s a clear and necessary drive towards cleaner air.

Drivers should note that the ULEZ charge will be in addition to the existing weekday Congestion Charge (7am – 6pm Monday to Friday; two-wheeled vehicles are not affected ) as well as the LEZ (Low Emission Zone) charge for heavy diesel vehicles.

Full details on the various charges applicable when driving in London can be found here.

Ban on New Petrol and Diesel Engines

Further acceleration to air quality improvements were announced this week as talks between Sadiq Kahn and a number of leaders from major cities across the UK focused on the government’s proposed 2040 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles. They motion to bring the ban forward ten years to 2030.

It remains unclear whether this includes Hybrid engines too, but further details on this ‘Road to Zero’ initiative are due to be released soon.

“Banning the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, providing support to deliver Clean Air Zones in cities and introducing a national vehicle renewal scheme will dramatically improve our air quality and our health.”

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

The Diesel Debate

Not surprisingly, there remains much confusion over the diesel/petrol debate in the aftermath of Dieselgate – but manufacturers are working hard to ensure modern diesel engines are as clean if not cleaner than petrol equivalents. This is certainly the case in terms of their lower CO2 emissions. The sector faces a perhaps unfairly accelerated decline, especially across Europe where tax hikes and clampdowns on diesel vehicles are gaining traction – but the greater fuel economy and pulling-power of diesel engines can’t be disputed.

Take Our Advice

If you’re looking for a new vehicle, come and talk to us about your requirements. With changing legislations, charges, and accessibility into London (and soon other city centres) choosing the right vehicle has never been more important, particularly when driving for business. Leasing is the future-proof solution – it makes the very best sense for minimising your emissions, as well as your outgoings – all with minimum commitment.

We can offer new and nearly-new vehicles available on a range of contracts from short-term to four-year deals, so call our team on 01753 851561 – we’ll help get you moving… and keep you moving!

For more background, read our previous post on The T-Charge, Toxin Taxes, and Diesel Engines.

T-Tax

The T-Charge, Toxin Taxes, and Diesel Engines

The T-Charge, Toxin Taxes, and Diesel Engines https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/T-Tax-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Hot on the heels of the new Crit’Air Emissions scheme for driving in Paris (see our recent blog post for details), and after news of elevated parking rates for diesel vehicles in some London Boroughs, the UK has taken recent vehicle emissions data and made plans to further penalise drivers of the most polluting vehicles during peak hours.

“The air in London is lethal and I will not stand by and do nothing.”

Sadiq Kahn, Mayor of London

“Despite the hype in the media, we should keep in mind that the modern Euro6 Diesel engines with their Catalytic Converters, Diesel Particulate, AdBlue technology and attractively low CO2 are much cleaner than the old diesel engines and are not being targeted with the T-Charge.”

Peter Fletcher, Account Manager at WVL

In the turbulent wake of Dieselgate, the emissions scandal seeded by significant discrepancies in test-conditions emissions versus real-world-driving emissions, the UK has also received a ‘final warning’ from the European Commission for breaching air pollution limits. In one street in London, air pollution levels were measured at the annual limit in just the first week of 2017. And with 40,000 premature deaths caused each year from long-term exposure – over 9,000 of those in London at the last count – action is swiftly being taken.

Recent independent analyses have yielded data which turns the tables on the petrol vs diesel debate. Previously, the key marker was the amount of CO2 generated (a ‘greenhouse gas’ implicated in global warming). On that front, diesel burns more cleanly that petrol, emitting around 20% less CO2 per km than petrol, hence the government’s tax breaks to encourage the sales of diesel engines in 1998. In fact, back in 1990, diesels represented just 6.4% of the vehicles on the road; by 2015, every other vehicle was a diesel. The data, however, overlooked other serious pollutants and real-world analyses has shown diesels to produce 4x the levels of Nitrous Oxides (NOx) as petrol, and 22x the levels of sooty particulates. Policy is changing as a direct result – but not just for diesels, for older petrol engines too.

Emissions testing

The T-Charge

A ‘Toxicity Charge’ will come into force 23rd October, 2017 in London where drivers with pre-Euro4 diesel and petrol engines will face a £10 daily fee on top of the existing £11.50 Congestion Charge in order to drive in the that zone 7am–6pm weekdays; that’s £21.50 per day.

Use this checker to see if your vehicle will be affected: www.tfl.gov.uk/emissions-surcharge

This will be superseded in April 2019 when central London becomes an Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) with daily charges ranging between £3–£12.50 dependent on your vehicle model’s emissions in a bid to reduce London’s NOx emissions by 50% by 2020. Diesel cars over four years old in 2019 and petrol cars over 13 years old will face the charge 24 hours a day, year-round (in addition to the existing Congestion Charge during weekday hours), in a bid to cut air pollution whilst buses, coaches and HGVs could face charges of £100 per day to operate in the ULEZ. Plans thereafter exist to extend the ULEZ to the North and South Circulars after 2021.

Sadiq Kahn and Anne Hidalgo, the Mayors of London and Paris respectively, are launching the ‘Cleaner Vehicle Checker’ website this autumn where independently assessed, real-world emissions data will be published. This will give consumers and fleet managers crucial information when considering a new vehicle in light of ULEZ fines and restrictions, and it’s hoped this new transparency will incentivise manufacturers to reduce their vehicles’ emissions long ahead of the EU ‘real-world driving emissions’ standards deadline in 2021.

“By having ‘on the road’ testing I believe we will help Londoners make an informed choice and incentivise manufacturers to build cleaner vehicles sooner. The toxicity of the air in London and many other big cities is an outrage and schemes of [this] type have the potential to make a massive difference to the quality of air we all breathe… [London] will have the toughest emissions standard of any world city.”

Sadiq Kahn, Mayor of London

“Every motorist who uses the capital’s roads needs to be ready for some pretty big changes that are coming up as London acts to cut harmful emissions which will either hit drivers in the pocket or force them to rethink their choice of vehicle.”

Nick Lyes, RAC

Country-wide

Low Emission Zone signOther polluted cities across England will also face the new restrictions with Toxin Taxes up to £20 per day, or even bans for the heaviest polluters during peak times. These measures are planned for up to ten more town centres, another 25 more where commercial diesels will be the targets, along with increased parking fees in at least 15 towns and cities. The finer details are yet to be worked out, but Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom has suggested the rules for each location will be written on a case-by-case basis and will announce outline measures imminently.

What about Diesels?

Diesel engines are being hardest hit; there are 11.9 million on the road in the UK and a scrappage scheme has been suggested but remains in debate as the £2billion cost has been deemed too high. Nevertheless, Theresa May has said she is conscious of past governments encouraging people to buy diesel cars and that this would be taken into account in plans made, but it does remain likely that pre-September 2015 (Euro6) diesel cars will be devalued at resale as a result.

Diesel cars aren’t the only emitters of problem NOx and particulates – nearly a quarter comes from coal and other energy plants, and cargo ships too: fifteen of the largest pump out more oxides of Nitrogen and Sulphur than all the world’s cars combined. And even Electric vehicles with their heavier battery packs have been shown to wear their tyres faster and release more rubber-derived particulates.

Manufacturers are quick to point out that Diesel will still have a place, perhaps moreso in vehicles and developing countries, but given the R&D costs involved, those engines will likely render smaller consumer models as uneconomic purchases. That said, with the advances made already in achieving Euro6 standards, diesel is very much still in the running and manufacturers are standing by it.

“It’s a pity diesel got so much miscredit in the past two years, because we all desperately needed to achieve our goals. It can be a really clean engine, and the new diesels really are. And it can also be, and is, the most efficient combustion engine in terms of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. But I think social acceptance of the diesel is going down, and that the ban from city centres of diesels is bad for consumer confidence. So I see diesel penetration is going to decline.”

Karl-Thomas Newmann, Opel/Vauxhall

“You get high mileage, you get huge torque, but it will get more expensive and it will probably mean in the entry-level cars there will be a shift from diesel to gasoline. But it is still a great engine, and with the addition of after-treatment it will be very clean. Our Euro6 diesels are the best cars you can buy in the industry when it comes to emissions. Diesel is not at its end.”

Herbert Diess, Volkswagen

The Way Forward

Advances in technology are enabling engines to be made more efficient – both petrol and diesel, and with hybrid and all-electric vehicles becoming more mainstream and affordable, drivers have an array of options to consider when making a vehicle choice. Vehicle purchases are significant investments, and with technology moving so fast, it’s getting hard to future-proof that investment.

Now, more than ever, Leasing is the ideal option when considering a new vehicle as it affords you complete flexibility. Motoring doesn’t need to involve the long-term commitment of ownership: trying to select a model now which will still suit you – and not be hit with emissions taxes – in another ten years time.

WVL offer vehicle lease contracts from 1 month to 4 years. Call us on 01753 851561 to discuss the perfect vehicle for your requirements.

Information correct at the time of publication.

Crit'Air Emissions stickers for driving in France

Driving in France – new Crit’Air Emissions Stickers required

Driving in France – new Crit’Air Emissions Stickers required https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/critair-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

France’s new Crit’Air scheme is an initiative in some of its largest towns and cities to reduce vehicle-derived air pollution. With a similar aim to London’s Congestion Charge, it’s a means of reducing road traffic in areas where smog has become a severe problem. Requiring vehicles to display a ‘Crit’Air Vignette’, or ‘Air Quality Certificate’ sticker to clearly display its emission level based on the Euro Emissions Standards, those without will be subject to an on-the-spot fine of €68 for cars and €138 for lorries – with access to the city’s roads restricted at peak times dependent on your vehicle’s emissions.

The rising costs of Air pollution

With Paris frequently falling victim to severe smog and over 48,000 deaths attributed to air pollution linked respiratory problems each year, this scheme aims to combat the rising levels of urban air pollution and the accompanying costs to public health. Berlin introduced a similar scheme in 2008 and has seen a rise in air quality and an increase in cleaner vehicles as a result.

“More cars means more pollution, fewer cars means less pollution.”

Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris

The Crit’Air Scheme

Crit’Air uses a coloured windscreen disc to display the vehicle’s emissions rating. There are 6 discs covering the categories ranging from zero-emission electric / hydrogen powered vehicles, through 1 to a maximum 5 reflecting the level of pollution produced based on the Euro Emissions standards.

Crit'Air discs

Permission to drive on Paris’ streets is now restricted between 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, based on your vehicle’s emissions:

  • pre-1997 vehicles are banned during those times and must not be driven
  • motorbikes and scooter registered before June 1st, 2000 are banned during those times
  • pre-2001 lorries, trucks and buses are banned during those times.

Whilst the scheme began in Paris on 1st July 2016 (and is also in place in Lyon, Grenoble and Lille) UK-registered cars can be driven without a Crit’Air Vignette until 31st March 2017.

As of July 1st 2017 be aware that your vehicle will need to be minimum Crit’Air-4 to enter the city during restricted hours… so this will also exclude all diesels registered before January 1st, 2001. The gradual rise in the Crit’Air restrictions over time, it’s hoped, will see older and more polluting vehicles phased out. Anne Hidalgo has spoken of eventually banning all diesels from Paris’ streets.

Restricted Zones

Look out for these signs which define the beginning and end of Zones of Limited Traffic (or ZCR, French acronym). Admittedly, most British holidaymakers won’t be driving into the centre of Paris, but should you need to skirt the city, the Boulevard Périphérique (Paris ring road) is exempt.

Crit'Air zone signs

HOW TO OBTAIN YOURS

The discs are inexpensive and can be ordered online – you’ll need to upload a scan of your V5C document and pay the fee of €4.18. Your disc will take around a month to arrive but you’ll receive an email in the interim with a slip you can use as proof of compliance.

Click for the Crit’Air website.
Obtain your Crit’Air Vignette sticker here.

Disabled drivers are exempt from the scheme providing their vehicle displays a disability parking card (these are the same, and thus recognised, Europe-wide).

The scheme will also work alongside urban air pollution monitoring: should smog levels rise in the ZCRs to levels where a city may risk reaching its Euro Emissions limit, the Crit’Air system will enable the more heavily polluting vehicles to be refused entrance versus the previous ineffective odd/even numberplate system (deemed ineffective). Weather will also be a factor and advanced restriction warnings will be broadcast no later than the evening before the day they affect.

Note: Driving a Hired or Leased vehicle

Given the Certificates are linked to the vehicle and not the driver and require access to the V5C, if you’re in a rental or leased vehicle and planning a road trip to France, you should contact your vehicle supplier in good time prior to heading off. You’ll also be needing a VE103B document which gives you permission to take your leased/hired car abroad – it’s an offence to be without it and you’ll risk a fine or even having your vehicle impounded should you be stopped by the police – learn more about this vital document here on our blog.

Don’t forget!…

French traffic laws require motorists to carry a number of other accessories:

  • headlamp converters fitted (even when driving during daylight) otherwise you’ll be liable for a €90 fine
  • a high-vis vest for everyone in the vehicle; these should be stored in the cabin, not in the boot. It’s a €135 fine otherwise
  • GB sticker – for your car… and one on anything you’re towing, too. Even if you have a new EU number plate, the GB signage isn’t actually large enough to meet French regulations. It’s a €90 fine without one
  • Warning triangle – ensure you have one otherwise it’s another €135 fine
  • Spare set of bulbs – French rules of the road do require cars to carry a spare set of bulbs despite them generally requiring a garage to fit them. Not carrying them risks an €80 fine
  • Breathalysers – although a legal requirement to carry two NF-certified breathalysers in your vehicle, the fine for not doing so has been scrapped.

Also to remember:

  • Do you wear glasses? If so, you must have a spare pair in the car
  • all speed-camera detectors including those on your satnav or phone are illegal and must be disabled or you risk a €1,500 fine
  • using a mobile whilst driving, including hands-free and bluetooth devices is also illegal and carries a €135 fine.

If you’re planning on driving abroad, do make sure you’ve made all the necessary preparations for your vehicle and its documentation – it could save you time and money! Bookmark our blog, follow our Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn feeds, and sign up to our newsletter too to keep up-to-date on important changes to regulations and legislation.

Changes to Car Tax from 1st April 2017

Road Tax Reform: new prices from 1st April 2017

Road Tax Reform: new prices from 1st April 2017 https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/VED-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Announced in July this year, the Treasury has revised the current Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) payments for vehicles registered 1st April 2017 onwards to account for the growing number of tax-exempt cars being purchased – the current system, according to Osborne, being unsustainable.

Under the new rules, only Zero Emissions vehicles will remain tax exempt. If your chosen vehicle is emits 1g CO2/km or more, a one-off tax charge will apply to its first year based on a 13-band CO2 emissions based scale ranging from £10 to a staggering £2,000. Then, year 2 onwards, a flat annual rate of £140 will apply.

New VED system – for cars registered from April 1st, 2017
Emissions (g CO2/km) Year 1 rate Standard rate thereafter *
0 £0 £0
1–50 £10 £140
51–75 £25 £140
76–90 £100 £140
91–100 £120 £140
101-110 £140 £140
111–130 £160 £140
131–150 £200 £140
151–170 £500 £140
171–190 £800 £140
191–225 £1,200 £140
226–255 £1,700 £140
over 255 £2,000 £140
* Cars costing over £40,000 pay a £310 supplement in years 2 to 6

It seems that over 60% of vehicles which currently pay zero tax in their first year of ownership will likely see their costs rise.

Furthermore, if your vehicle costs over £40,000, an additional £310 supplement will be payable for five years once the Standard Rate kicks in, i.e. years 2 to 6.

Vehicles registered before 1st April 2017 will be taxed under the old system, i.e. on a scale ranging from £0 – £1,100 based solely on CO2 emissions.

Whilst these new payments will be earmarked solely for road repairs, maintenance and improvements – the first time since the 1930s, many are disappointed that the new rates may disincentivise manufacturers to produce low emissions vehicles as they strive for zero emissions.

How will current models fare?

AutoExpress have published an enlightening list highlighting the highest and lowest proportional increases. Surprisingly, certain Peugeot 208, Ford C-Max, Lexus IS300h and VW Passat models all suffer 950% increases in road tax over 3 years – from £40 to £420. At the other end of the scale, the SEAT Alhambra increases around 10% from £435 to £480 and the Ford Mondeo EcoBoost by 23% from £390 to £480, again, over a 3 year ownership period from new.

Seeing how the elevated tax for first year ownership is likely to cost us all more for the vast majority of vehicles, once again, leasing comes into its own with those initial outlays and losses (depreciation) associated with driving a brand new vehicle, being reworked into affordable, fixed, monthly payments.

Talk to us at WVL about your vehicle requirements, the new road tax implications, and how we can help you drive your choice of vehicle at the best possible price.

AdBlue

Going Green with AdBlue

Going Green with AdBlue https://wvl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/adblue-featured.jpg 660 300 Anthony Anthony https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a9c4089fd91833b9d9ac3cd2423e0fcb?s=96&d=mm&r=g

With all the recent focus on vehicle emissions, we thought it worth flagging something of a positive in the industry: an eco innovation which isn’t yet commonplace but is gaining ground and has the potential to significantly reduce pollution from diesel engines: AdBlue.

Positive Reaction

Based on simple chemistry, AdBlue is a high purity urea solution which, when combined with the harmful nitrous oxides in the vehicle exhaust gases, reacts to convert around 90% of them to harmless nitrogen and water vapour. It actually enables manufacturers to take a legitimate shortcut to make their diesel engines comply with Euro-6 emission regulations which came into force 1st January 2015 to improve air quality.

Injecting AdBlue

Introduced initially in larger commercial vehicles, we’re now seeing the system being a feature in the latest diesel cars and vans.

Whilst it may be just an additive, vehicles do require a new form of exhaust incorporating the new Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, plus a dedicated tank for adding the solution. It’s therefore not something which can be retrofittable, but is a feature worth looking out for when selecting a new vehicle.

Keep topped up

AdBlue is, as the name suggests, a blue additive, and it’s vital that you keep it topped up just as you would your oil or washer fluid. When your AdBlue falls to a certain level – 3 litres in Mercedes cars, for example – vehicles are equipped with a warning system to advise you to refill. The engine management computer may also limit performance as a further precaution, and to encourage you to take action.

AdBlue warning sign

Refilling AdBlue

If you run out, the vehicle won’t start, so it’s crucial to keep tabs as any damage caused won’t be covered by your warranty. It’s important that fleet managers understand the responsibilities of correctly maintaining AdBlue-equipped vehicles, particularly with the variable service intervals common these days, and that employees are aware of the consequences should they ignore the warnings when levels get low.

A number of manufacturers, e.g. Mercedes, will refill your AdBlue during services, but top-ups between services may be needed depending on the size of the tank plus mileage, vehicle load, driving style and road conditions. Consumption rates are quoted as 4–5% of diesel use.

In cars, the filler will generally be next to the fuel filler, though sometimes they are to be found in obscure places like under a seat in the C4 Picasso. Commercial vehicles tend to have fillers in the engine bays, and are able to top up at a large number of filling stations across the country as they may need to do so as often as every week – see this interactive map or download a handy app for Android or iOS.

Interactive AdBlue map

Since the nozzle won’t fit cars, topping up smaller vehicles either requires going back to a dealership or ordering online – you can even get it from Amazon!

Availability

So far, the system can be found in Mercedes’ ‘BlueTEC’ range, the BMW 5 Series and X5 range, Audi and Volkswagen in their TDI models, and Vauxhall in some Insignia, Zafira Tourer and Cascada models. Other marques have also started to introduce the technology including Citroën, DAF, Ford, GM/Opel, Hyundai, Iveco, Mazda, Peugeot, Renault, Scania, Toyota and Volvo.

AdBlue will, according to BMW, soon be a household name.

As emissions rules and control measures become increasingly stricter, it’s good to know there are safe and inexpensive technologies available to reduce the pollution derived from our vehicles. Whilst some may consider it an inconvenience to have another consumable to monitor, it’s a small price to pay to keep our vehicles motoring, and their dangerous pollutants minimised.

If you’d like more information about adding AdBlue-equipped vehicles to your fleet, contact us and we’ll be happy to advise on current options and deals.