In Finland, Neste Oil is getting ready to launch a new type of diesel fuel.
Developed from extensive R&D work and experience gathered from fuel usage
worldwide, the new diesel complies with ultra strict Category 4 specifications
(a maximum of 840 kilograms/per cubic meter), which form part of the Worldwide
Fuel Charter, created by auto manufacturers in Asia, Europe and the U.S.
Formulated to work with advanced emissions control systems, including
particulate filters, Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and sophisticated downstream
exhaust injection; Neste Pro Diesel is said to offer the best fuel product
properties on the market.
According to a press release, tests, conducted at the VTT Technical Research
Centre of Finland, as well as the Tampere University of Applied Science, in
addition to Neste’s own Motor Laboratory have yielded a reduction in fuel
consumption of five percent, regardless of which vehicle uses the new
diesel.
Additionally, due to the inclusion of NExBTL or HVO (a 100 percent
hydrocarbon fuel), Neste Pro Diesel can also reduce a single vehicle’s
greenhouse gas emissions by 10 to 20 percent. The fuel will be used for the
first time publicly during this year’s Neste Rally Finland, with actual pump
availability slated to commence across the country this fall. No word yet on
availability in other markets.
The question is, will the introduction of this new fuel help further the
cause of diesel technology as a worthy alternative to electric, fuel cell and
even bio fuel programs? In the U.S., given that (unlike Europe) the emphasis on
future vehicle propulsion is currently very much on EVs it’s probably too early
to tell. Yet if (as with this program), closer cooperation between auto
manufacturers and fuel companies to reduce emissions and boost fuel economy is
any indication, there’s a good chance that it might, even in our market.
