UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

NATIONAL VEHICLE AND FUEL EMISSIONS LABORATORY

2565 PLYMOUTH ROAD

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN 48105-2498

 

MEMORANDUM

SUBJECT: Heavy-Duty Hybrid Onboard Diagnostics

FROM: Amy Kopin

TO: The Docket

DATE: July 19, 2011

On May 17th, 2011 we held a conference call with Allison to discuss concerns raised by

Allison regarding heavy-duty onboard diagnostic (OBD) requirements and timing. Concerns 

were raised during the comment period for the heavy-duty greenhouse gas notice of proposed 

rulemaking that heavy-duty hybrid applications may not be able to meet the 2013 heavy-duty

OBD regulations that were published in the 2009 OBD Final Rulemaking.

1,2

 Specifically, they

have requested a delay of the application of HD OBD requirements for hybrid applications until 

2020. Attendees from the EPA and Allison are shown in the table below. The agenda is on the 

following page of this memo.

Attendee Affiliation 

Cleophas Jackson EPA

Anthony Neam EPA

Amy Kopin EPA

Barb Chance Allison

Kevin Rodgers Allison

Steve Spurlin Allison

Rob Merrion Allison

Steve Morey Allison

Kevin Karch Allison

Jim Lyons Sierra Research

Justin Owens Allison

John Jen Allison

 

1 U.S. EPA, NHTSA, and DOT, “Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Mediumand Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles,” republished December 29, 2010. Available here: 

http://origin.www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2010-12-29/html/2010-32726.htm

2 U.S. EPA, “Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles and New Motor Vehicles Engines; Final Rule 

Regulations Requiring Onboard Diagnostic Systems on 2010 and Later Heavy-Duty Engines Used in Highway 

Applications Over 14,000 Pounds; Revisions to Onboard Diagnostic Requirements for Diesel Highway Heavy-Duty 

Vehicles Under 14,000 Pounds,” published February 24, 2009. Available here: 

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/im/obd/regtech/hd-obd-frm-02-24-09-notice-74-fr-8310.pdf

OFFICE OF

AIR AND RADIATION
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

NATIONAL VEHICLE AND FUEL EMISSIONS LABORATORY

2565 PLYMOUTH ROAD

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN 48105-2498

 

EPA-Allison Heavy-Duty Hybrid OBD Discussion

3-4pm EST Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Agenda

1. What is your current OBD J1939 capability for handling faults?

a. If you don’t have any, how long do you estimate it will take to 

make your current controller’s software J1939 capable?

2. Comprehensive Components:

a. What is your understanding of what you need to do for 

comprehensive components? 

b. Why do you think your current diagnostics won’t meet 

comprehensive components?

c. Given that the hybrid system is only covered under 

comprehensive components, how long will it take for your company

to make your current diagnostics J1939 compatible for fault 

storage and reporting?

d. Do you have the ability to determine an open, shorted to 

voltage, shorted to ground, an irrational sensor, and a 

nonfunctioning output component for your hybrid electronical 

components?

3. Are there specific requirements or regulations that you anticipate 

having problems with and can you identify them?

4. EPA Heavy-Duty OBD Rulemaking and Alternative Fuels Timing

5. Next Steps

OFFICE OF

AIR AND RADIATION