This far on from the original explosion of Volkswagen’s ‘dieselgate’ scandal, the company is still dealing with legal ramifications of allegations that it rigged emissions tests for vehicles.
Today’s news involves certain modifications of diesel engine vehicles, as Reuters reports the Court of Justice of the European Union is looking right now at a French case involving upstream technologies that can have effects on vehicle emissions further up in the exhaust cycle.
Modern vehicles often have something called an exhaust gas recirculation or ERG valve, which redirects some NOx back into combustion chambers.
French legal efforts contend that the ERG valve can be used to manipulate diesel emissions.
“The ERG was adjusted in tests using a device to allow emissions to remain below the regulatory ceiling, but according to an expert’s report the device would in normal conditions lead to the partial deactivation of the ERG and higher NOx emissions,” Reuters explains. “Operation of the ERG would have made maintenance more frequent and expensive because, for example, the engine would clog up more quickly.”
In Europe and in all 50 US states it is illegal to use certain “defeat devices” to change emissions outcomes. However, truck drivers can buy packages through aftermarket vendors that will ‘delete’ the ERG.
“An EGR delete is a modification that comes with benefits you can’t ignore. However, at the same time, it comes with potential legal complications,” writes an analyst at the Diesel Programmers blog. “If you decide to use your vehicle for driving off-road, the environment can be a problem for your engine, as well. On the other hand, you can receive better performance, lower temperatures, and more power. However, it’s best to carefully consider both pros and cons before opting for this aftermarket kit.”
Despite the accusations, Volkswagen is not conceding that the ERG is a problem – nor is it acknowledging any liability from these types of challenges.
“In the legal disputes still ongoing outside of Germany, the outcome ultimately depends on the question of possible damage to the vehicle keepers concerned,” Volkswagen spokespersons said in a press statement.
Reuters shows Volkswagen recalled 950,000 vehicles in France as part of the dieselgate scandal, with a $30 billion price tag. What these new trials will bring is unclear.
