Eaton recently hosted a group of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials at its Southfield, Michigan, campus to meet with key Eaton technology leaders and learn about light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicle innovations that reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.
The visiting EPA officials included Bill Wehrum, assistant administrator for the EPA Office of Air and Radiation, Chris Grundler, director, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, and other key EPA staff.
The visit followed Eaton’s recent support of the EPA’s Cleaner Trucks Initiative, which will establish updated emission standards for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles through open and collaborative discussion among stakeholders.
During the visit, Eaton officials outlined the company’s desire for the adoption of a single national emissions standard that is verifiably performance-based and has long-term stability.
“Eaton is investing significant resources in advanced technology to improve energy efficiency and reduce criteria pollutants,” said Mihai Dorobantu, director, Technology Planning and Government Affairs, Eaton’s Vehicle Group. “Together with our testing, manufacturing scale and channels to market, we are a serious partner for OEMs, end customers and regulatory agencies.”
Eaton’s Vehicle Group produces a number of technologies that reduce both NOx and CO2 emissions in commercial and passenger vehicles. Examples include Eaton’s cylinder deactivation technology and its new TVS EGR pump, which enables the use of a high-efficiency turbo to lower engine pumping losses and increase fuel economy.
“Eaton is a technology leader in clean and efficient powertrain solutions,” said Gerard Devito, vice president and chief technology officer, Eaton’s Vehicle Group. “Our global engineering, design and manufacturing capabilities allow us to work closely with leading auto and commercial vehicle manufacturers to meet stringent regulations and changing consumer preferences around the world.”
The EPA officials also were introduced to Eaton’s new eMobility business, which provides zero-emissions solutions for electrified vehicles, including intelligent power electronics, power systems and advanced power distribution and circuit protection technologies.
“Eaton technologies help OEMs achieve NOx and CO2 reductions simultaneously and in a cost-effective manner, enabling compliance with expected future standards in an economically-sustainable way,” added Dorobantu.
The EPA officials also toured research laboratories and testing facilities during their visit on Nov. 27.
