EXCLUSIVE: The radical plan to switch off anti-pollution tech in trucks, amid AdBlue shortage
The Federal Government is considering a drastic "last resort" measure, if Australia's AdBlue supply does not improve.
William Davis
10:30, 16 December 2021
Dangerous diesel emissions in Australia could skyrocket if dwindling supplies of exhaust additive AdBlue can't be bolstered soon.
Legally-mandated software currently prevents many diesel-powered trucks and passenger cars from starting or operating at full power if the urea-based chemical solution is not detected in an onboard tank.
However, Drive has learned the Federal Government is considering allowing these systems to be temporarily disabled in trucks deemed "critical to the economy" if the shortage is not rectified.
While this would allow food and essential commodities to continue to reach major cities via road, the proposal has been strongly criticised by health and environment experts as well as some groups within the trucking industry.
Those involved in the negotiations have noted the measure is only one of several options under consideration, and represents a "last resort."
"Discussions with the government about changing the laws are ongoing, however if supply doesn't improve we will need to look at switching off the existing software and making other changes to emission control systems to maintain important trucking routes," a transport industry insider told Drive.
Meanwhile, a statement issued to Drive on behalf of Angus Taylor – who, as the Federal Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, has been tasked with confronting the current crisis – said: "[We are] investigating a range of potential solutions including alternative international supply options for refined urea, bolstering local manufacturing capabilities, and technical options at the vehicle level."
Detractors say switching off emissions-reducing technology could damage engines, void vehicle warranties, and adversely impact human health and the environment.
The exhaust additive is estimated to reduce noxious nitrogen oxide emissions by approximately 90 per cent, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions by between 50 and 90 per cent, and particulate emissions by between 30 and 50 per cent.
The Truck Industry Council – which represents a number of truck manufacturers, importers, and component suppliers – released a statement following last week's government roundtable which condemned the option.
"These vehicle emission regulations are in place to protect the health of all Australians," the peak body said.
"Untreated exhaust emissions can cause breathing problems, including asthma, headaches, eye irritation, loss of appetite, corroded teeth, chronically reduced lung function and cancer.
"Tampering with such a system should be condemned by all within the industry … It's a shame we have to be at this point for Government to realise the importance of DEF and AdBlue on Australia's supply chain and the need for its regulation."
Although the current shortage is not yet critical, the trucking industry estimates supplies of AdBlue could run dry within two months.
Approximately 400,000 trucks on the nation's roads use an estimated 150 million litres of AdBlue each year.
Until last month China supplied approximately 80 per cent of urea (AdBlue's active ingredient) sold in Australia, although this has since been largely redirected to the domestic agriculture sector for production of synthetic fertilisers.
As previously reported by Drive, there is currently some capacity for local manufacturing to increase through Brisbane-based company Incitec Pivot (shown below) and several smaller domestic chemical producers.
However – despite government intervention – experts suggest these attempts are unlikely to entirely make up for national demand, which exceeds three million litres per week.
Major logistics companies in Australia have told Drive the situation is "not yet dire", but "very serious" and, in a worst-case scenario, could force thousands of trucks into storage until supply improves or legislation is changed.
Passenger cars are less likely to be affected by the supply chain failures in the short term, as they use significantly less AdBlue per kilometre travelled and some manufacturers – including BMW – have already secured stock for customers.
You can read Drive's comprehensive list of passenger vehicles that require AdBlue by clicking here.
William Davis has written for Drive since July 2020, covering news and current affairs in the automotive industry. He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.
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