Current experimental developments in 48 V-based CI-driven SUVs in response to expected future EU7 legislation

In this paper, we describe experimental developments in an Exhaust Aftertreatment System (EAS) used in a four-cylinder Compression Ignition (CI) engine. To meet the carbon dioxide (CO\(_\mathrm {2}\)) fleet limit values and to demonstrate a clean emission concept, the CI engine needs to be further developed in a hybridized, modern form before it can be included in the future fleet. In this work, the existing EAS was replaced by an Electrically Heated Catalyst (EHC) and a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) double-dosing system. We focused specifically on calibrating the heating modes in tandem with the electric exhaust heating, which enabled us to develop an ultra-fast light-off concept. The paper first outlines the development steps, which were subsequently validated using the Worldwide harmonized Light-duty vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC). Then, based on the defined calibration, a sensitivity analysis was conducted by performing various dynamic driving cycles. In particular, we identified emission species that may be limited in the future, such as laughing gas (N\(_\mathrm {2}\)O), ammonia (NH\(_\mathrm {3}\)), or formaldehyde (HCHO), and examined the effects of a general, additional decrease in the limit values, which may occur in the near future. This advanced emission concept can be applied when considering overall internal engine and external exhaust system measures. In our study, we demonstrate impressively low tailpipe (TP) emissions, but also clarify the system limits and the necessary framework conditions that ensure the applicability of this drivetrain concept in this sector.