Euro 5 and Euro 6 truck comparison

In order to tackle air pollution, the EU has established strict norms regarding vehicle's pollution : the European norms of emissions or Euro norms. They limit the quantity of nitrogen oxides emissions (NOx) and fine particles. The Eurio norms applies for all vehicles but at different dates. For trucks, the Euro 0 norm took effect in 1990 : 

The requirements are raised with each new norm : for the Euro 6 norm, the permitted NOx level went down 80 %, and reaches 0,4 g/kWh, and the fine particle level was cut in half (the allowed level is now 0,01g/kWh).

Allowed nitrogen oxide and fine particle levels depending on the Euro norm

What are the consequences of the Euro 6 norm ? Let's take a look at the solutions found by the 7 main truck manufacturers : DAF, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes, Renault, Scania and Volvo. 

SCR, EGR and twin turbocharger : the manufacturers' choice

To meet the requirements for the Euro 5 norm, DAF, Iveco, Mercedes, Renault and Volvo used the selective catalytic reduction (SCR). Only MAN and Scania used the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation).

To reach the Euro 6 norm's goals, manufacturers equipped their vehicles with different depolluting devices. All of them choose to use the common rail injection, particle filterand SCR, others chose to stand out. Indeed, when most makes chose the EGR, Iveco opted for the SCR alone. MAN equipped its trucks with the EGR, but also with a twin turbocharger.

Depollution mode used by main truck manufacturers in Euro 6

Zoom on the manufacturers' key models :

 DAF XF 460 Super Space Cab

The DAF XF 460 Euro 6 has a major advantage : its remodeled cab « Super Space Cab » (2,25 m high) very spacious, even without a flat floor. Quieter, the DAF XF Euro 6 has a gradual acceleration and softer power rise than the  Euro 5. It is equipped with a very efficient ZF AS Tronic gearbox, with the « Fast Shift » feature that makes it easier to change gears. The turbo engine brake is a plus, as well as the emergency braking assistance feature. The major disadvantage of the DAF XF 460 SSC is its weight (90 kg more than the Euro 5 model).

Iveco Stralis 440 S 46 Hi-Way

For the Euro 6 norm, Iveco stood out by opting for the « SCR Only », without EGR. Clément Chandon, product manager at Iveco France, explains : « We chose (…) the EGR. The EGR is known for lowering the nitrogen oxide levels, but there are a lot of disadvantage, especially that it increases particles, it lowers engine power, it complicates the engines, which causes breakdowns » . The « SCR Only » choice means an important AdBlue* use, way more than the competitor's models. On a positive note, the Iveco Stralis has a simple use and is lighter. It is also more powerful with the Cursor 11 engine.

* AdBlue is the commercial brand of the AUS32  solution - aqueous urea solution 32,5 % - used for selective catalytic reduction (SCR).

MAN TGX 18.440 XXL

Compared to the D20, the D26 engine doesn't have more power even with a higher torque at low engine speed. Its engine brake by compression isn't very powerful either, but it has an emergency braking assistance. For a complete depollution, MAN  chose the  common-rail injection, a twin turbocharger, the cooled EGR, the SCR and a particle filter. The supercharging by the twin turbocharger keeps a high outpput at each engine speed range. The cab is comfortable even though not really ergonomic because of the commands' place. The cab is comfortable, even though not ergonomic because of the commands' place.

Mercedes Actros 1845 GigaSpace

The Actros Euro 6 is equipped with a twin turbocharger with variable geometry, which increases its low engine speed output. The X Pulse injection system offers more power output for a lesser consumption. The main innovation from Mercedes for the new Actros is the cruise control by GPS, to drive with the adapted speed : the drive is economic and fast. The Actros has a very efficient engine brake. Major disadvantage : it is heavier and noisy.

Scania R 450 Streamline

For the Euro 6 model, Scania, as well as Iveco, chose the « SCR Only » for some models (320  hp, 360 hp and 410 hp) but most of their trucks have the EGR system. The R 450 is equipped with a automated gearbox with double clutch to smooth the transmission. The Scania Active Prediction (CCAP) makes it fuel efficient. With more output and having a higher torque (2350 Nm in average), the Scania R Euro 6 has a deceiving engine brake. The GPS has been optimised, and the new Streamline cab has a well thought out driving space.

Renault T 460

Renault chose the EGR without cooling system : this increases the exhaust gas temperature to optimise their treatment by the SCR. In comparison to the Euro 5 models (Premium and Magnum), the Renault Tuses 5%  less fuel. They are equipped with the common-rail injection and an Optidriver gearbox, which reduces consumption. The Optiroll, linked to the cruise control, uses the truck's inertia to save fuel. The T 460 is equipped with a DTI 11 engine. The Sleeper Cab, spacious and quiet, offers a real driving comfort.

Volvo FH 460 Globetrotter XL

The Volvo FH Euro 6 benefits from a spacious and well-thought out cab, which offers a great visibility to the driver. The new I-Torque chain, including the I-Shift double clutch transmission, is very efficient. The driving assistance system combined with the GPS, named "I-See", saves fuel as well as the "I-Roll", which uses the vehicle's inertia. The fuel economy is close to 10% even tough the AdBlue use is important.

Euro 6 trucks : less polluting, more fuel efficient but more expensive

The use of several devices (common-rail injection, SCR, EGR, particle filter) reduces pollution but also fuel consumption : according to manufacturers, the Euro 6 trucks consumption is inferior by  2 to 6 % to the Euro 5 trucks.

These encouraging results in terms of pollution fight have a cost : the Euro 6 trucks are 10% more expensive than the Euro 5 trucks. The costs of maintenance contracts are stable and the components' quality lead us to think of a longer lifespan. The total cost of ownership (TCO) is said to be decreasing.

Small drawback regarding the Euro 6 vehicles' weight and their loading capacity : the depolluting equipments are heavy on the truck and take up space.