Press release
Study finds real-world emissions from diesel pickup trucks in the United States are higher than regulatory limits
(October 31, 2024) Washington, DC – A new report from The Real Urban Emissions (TRUE) Initiative which analyzed more than 360,000 data samples from Virginia and Colorado found that the impact of diesel pickup trucks on emissions in the United States is significant. Truck models from Ford, Ram, GMC, and Chevrolet are emitting on average nearly 5 times above the U.S. EPA emissions limit according to real-world measurements.
The study finds that Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty diesel pickup trucks of model years 2010 to 2019 emit between 3 to 10 times more harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in real-world driving conditions than other similarly sized trucks.
From this data set, the study also found that Ford trucks manufactured between 2017 to 2019 produced approximately twice the NOx emissions of the Ram 2500 and 3500 models that were the subject of last year’s settlement between the engine manufacturer Cummins, the U.S. Department of Justice and the state of California.
Ford F-250/350s were found to be particularly susceptible to changes in temperature when compared to other manufacturers. At 30–40°F, average emissions from Ford trucks were roughly 2 times higher than emissions at the warmest measured temperatures, and 3.5 times higher at even colder temperatures between 20–30°F. Other models for which data is available showed less sensitivity to cold start temperatures.
“The scale of excess emissions from these Ford trucks is significant,” said Drew Kodjak, executive director of the ICCT, a TRUE partner. “There are an estimated 850,000–1,340,000 of these vehicles on U.S. roads today, contributing up to 28,800 metric tons of excess NOx emissions annually. NOx is a key contributor to outdoor air pollution in the forms of ground-level ozone and secondary fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Long-term exposure to these pollutants is linked to a range of adverse health outcomes, including disability and years of life lost due to stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer—particularly in sensitive populations.”
Sheila Watson, deputy director of the FIA Foundation, a TRUE partner and core founder, adds, “Time and again, TRUE research demonstrates that laboratory testing alone isn’t enough. These findings show why robust, independent emissions testing programs are absolutely essential to understand the impact of vehicles on the road and hold manufacturers to account. Without real-world monitoring, these excess emissions would continue unchecked, impacting air quality and public health.”
The International Council on Clean Transportation, as technical partner of the TRUE Initiative, used data provided by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to update previous analysis examining the real-world NOx emissions of these four main truck manufacturers between 2010 to 2023.
Media Contact
Sarina Katz, Senior Communications Specialist, ICCT
communications@theicct.org
Publication details
Title: Real-world NOX emissions from diesel pickup trucks in the United States: A 2023 update
Publisher: The Real Urban Emissions Initiative
Authors: Michelle Meyer, Yoann Bernard
URL: theicct.org/publication/rw-nox-emissions-diesel-pickup-trucks-us-2023-update-oct24
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About The Real Urban Emissions (TRUE) Initiative
The Real Urban Emissions (TRUE) Initiative works globally to support cities in developing effective air quality and climate policies. Information gaps between national testing programs and on-road conditions present challenges for cities to effectively address the impact vehicles have on air quality and public health. The TRUE Initiative therefore conducts independent, on-road vehicle emissions testing and data analysis to support cities in developing these targeted policies. TRUE is a partnership of the FIA Foundation and the International Council on Clean Transportation.
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About The International Council on Clean Transportation
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) is an independent research organization providing first-rate, unbiased research and technical and scientific analysis to environmental regulators. Our mission is to improve the environmental performance and energy efficiency of road, marine, and air transportation, in order to benefit public health and mitigate climate change. Founded in 2001, we are a nonprofit organization working under grants and contracts from private foundations and public institutions.
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About the FIA Foundation
The FIA Foundation is an independent UK registered charity which supports an international programme of activities promoting safe roads, clean air, and climate action.
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