As emissions become more regulated and what comes out of our internal combustion engines is scrutinized more and more engine manufacturers must figure out how to make cleaner burning engines. Unlike Off Road enthusiasts, OTR (Over The Road) vehicles are using some interesting technology to clean the exhaust gasses. Meanwhile the ceiling of speed and quickness has been raised. Now organizations are dedicated to showcasing the performance of Electric Motors, and it is something to see!
The most popular method is called Exhaust Gas Recirculation, EGR. This takes a portion of the exhaust and pipes it through a Heat Exchanger (EGR Cooler) and then back through the combustion chamber. This method is very common, and very easy. Many users would never know that the technology is on their car. Thus it is arguably the cheapest. Many diesel cars from Europe are beginning to use small EGR Coolers in their vehicles.
Another very popular method to clean exhaust gas is to utilize a urea injection to help burn off any leftover unburnt fuel, or particulate (SCR Selective Catalytic Reduction). This technology is more complex, and requires frequent refills for the urea solution. This process also uses a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). This large cylinder is often visible on the outside of the cab of a Tractor Trailer. This unit is basically a large cylindrical honeycomb made of ceramic, similar to a catalytic converter. The particulate is trapped in the DPF, and then occasionally fuel is injected into the DPF and nearly all the particulate buildup is burned into a fine ash. At the same time the harmful chemicals in the exhaust gas are converted into less harmful compounds in the extreme heat of a DPF burn off.
It only takes a few minutes to go to the EPA website (https://www.epa.gov/) and see what emission regulations are going to be in the very near future. Soon we off road enthusiasts will be in the middle of these regulations, as we are the last group with very little oversight.
Speaking of websites, hit up http://www.nedra.com/. The National Electric Drag Racing Association. These folks are really pushing the limits of Electric Motors and Batteries. Wow! As a kid who grew up around Dirt Track racing, let me say that this is a whole different animal. The cars are so quiet! I never realized how much noise tires could make! These teams design, build and race vehicles ranging from Rail Cars, like a Top Fuel Dragster, to Ford Mustangs, to Golf Carts. Most of us in the Golf Cart Industry have heard of the team over at Plumb Quick. But I had no idea that there was a nationwide association! There are even a few International competitors. Head over and see what the extremes of Electric Vehicles can do, and give us a call to upgrade that Motor and Controller!
There is also an international racing series that takes a different spin on Electric Vehicles. Formula E (http://www.fiaformulae.com/en). Formula E racing is similar to INDY car. Road courses, incredibly fast cars, great excitement, and electric motors and batteries! Truly an International sport with Drivers and courses from Brazil to France, and Hong Kong China to Sweden, Formula E is pushing the boundaries of Technology. Their batteries are charged with 100% sustainable Glycerin Fuel. The tires are a special all weather blend made by Michelin. These tires last the whole race, and are 100% recyclable. (They are recycled) One of the neatest ideas that Formula E is focused on is to bring Electric and sustainable technology to some of the dirtiest metropolises on earth. Mexico City, New York City, Paris, and even Hong Kong were on the calendar for this season. This group is really going to be fun to follow going forward.
