Retrofit or Replace? Your Best CARB Compliance Option

Let's face it-- if you're a fleet/truck owner, CARB has pretty much given you an ultimatum: retrofit, repower or replace your diesel vehicles or pay through the nose! So the question is which option is best for your situation? Should you retrofit your existing vehicles with diesel particulate filters or should you just go ahead and replace your vehicles with new models that are already compliant with CARB's standards? For many of us the question boils down to dollars and cents. So let's take a quick look at pros and cons of retrofitted vehicles vs. replacement vehicles.

Replacing a vehicle can be a good option if your existing vehicles are close to the end of their useful life. However, bear in mind that in many cases funding may not be available, because regulators will usually attribute the new vehicle purchase to normal attrition. If you replace your vehicles rather than retrofit, you may avoid the time involved in retrofit installation. However, in many cases, retrofit installation is a quick process. Last but not least, a new vehicle means that "new" smell as well as a newer interior, stereo, etc.-that's a bonus (although perhaps not worth the difference in cost).

Diesel engines last hundreds of thousands of miles, and this longevity is one of the primary reasons many fleet owners opt to retrofit their existing vehicles rather than replace them. In addition, retrofitting your vehicle(s) may be the best option, because the cost is usually significantly lower than vehicle replacement. The cost of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) is usually anywhere from 70-90% less than the cost of a new CARB-compliant vehicle. A DPF provides the opportunity to get the most out of your existing fleet while meeting new emissions standards.

Diesel retrofits seem to be a more cost effective solution overall. In a report featured on www.dieselforum.org, data showed the cost effectiveness of diesel retrofit solutions over other methods of air quality reduction methods. You can see their cost comparison chart by clicking here: http://www.dieselforum.org/policy/retrofit/why-retrofit (under "Cost Effectiveness"). Their site also provides resources on a variety of clean diesel solutions.

If your bottom line plays a role in your emissions control strategy, your best choice will be a retrofit device. We know you have options, but we are happy to help you find the best solution to your diesel emissions compliance needs. We encourage you to learn more about our Econix DPF-A (a CARB approved, active diesel particulate filter), and compare it to other products on the market. We have years of experience in assisting customers with their EPA/CARB compliance needs, and we would be pleased to help you find your best compliance solutions.

Resources on retrofit vs. replacement:Retrofit (& replacement) Funding Resources:

http://www.dieselforum.org/policy/retrofit/retrofit-grants-1

http://www.epa.gov/diesel/prgnational.htm

http://westcoastcollaborative.org/

Retrofit Calculator:
Enter your unique information to calculate your costs/savings:
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/aqcreditcalc.htm