CVRAS Monitoring, Telematics & Maintenance
CVRAS regulations and approvals require all approved retrofitted buses to have functional retrofit telematics systems and be reporting the in-service NOx emissions reduction in real time, to maintain CVRAS compliance and monitor the ongoing performance of the emission control system.
Currently there is a significant proportion of the retrofitted bus fleet which are not reporting data and the evidence has shown that these vehicles are likely to be emitting significantly higher levels of emissions than is acceptable.
In addition, the research has found that repair costs can be significantly increased if regular maintenance requirements are ignored or faults not investigated.
It is critical that the retrofit telematics system is maintained and functioning correctly, in order to ensure correct operation of the NOx reduction system and, as importantly, to give rapid indication of any maintenance needs or system failures.
Data recorded by Energy Saving Trust and its partners over the last 3 years has shown that robust monitoring of the retrofit systems can ensure rapid and cost-effective intervention when system issues occur. This, combined with a robust maintenance regime, will ensure the emissions performance of these buses complies with the necessary and approved levels.
SCR retrofit systems require regular maintenance similar to OEM Euro VI buses which will usually include:
- System filters replacement to schedule
- NOx sensor replacement at prescribed intervals
- DPF cleaning
- Adblue system (tank sensor, pump, manifold & injector) cleaning or replacement
The telematics system will monitor these system components and will indicate faults on both the driver display and via the telematics.
A robust monitoring scheme for all retrofitted buses is now in place with regular updates to national government departments. All major operators and system suppliers are receiving regular updates with details of buses currently not showing functioning telematics or where NOx emission exceed expected levels. This regular report is available to any operator on request. We would urge operators to review this information and to ensure systems are repaired as quickly as possible. To support this, a programme of proactive outreach and engagement directly with bus operators is currently underway by the Energy Saving Trust, supported by the retrofit system suppliers.
If there are any questions or further information needed, the monitoring team can be contacted at CVRAS@est.org.uk
Colin Smith, Energy Saving Trust and Andy Eastlake, AREQuest Limited – June 2024
