smart ENVIRONMENTALLY - info library

[KyotoCar]

Thought we could pool all our knowledge on the environmental advantages of the smart, from its manufacturing proceeses to its individual components to its final recycling.

I'll start it off with this interesting post from an English environmental site in 1999, just as the smart was being noticed at dealerships in England.

Note that 95% of the smart is suitable for recycling! :

www.tve.org/ho/doc.cfm?aid=305〈=English

- Gary

[MikeT]

I suppose this is a disadvantage, but here goes:

Our cars are EU-3 compliant, in other words, they are a LOT cleaner than the diesel engines of the 1980s and modern pickup trucks, but they nevertheless produce a fair amount of particulate matter, especially when the oxidation catalyst is cool (which happens fairly often, even during driving).

So, when we get ULSD in the fall, is anyone contemplating getting the EU-4 particulate filter, which is now standard equipment in Germany and Austria? Despite a ~15% fuel economy and carbon dioxide penalty, the exhaust is a lot cleaner with a PM filter..... thoughts of trying this, anyone?

See this thread for more informaton.

[KyotoCar]

Good info, Mike. This isn't the Blue Tech NO2 filter, is it?

I will be getting the filter. I think this site should lead a discussion with M-B about this; they were free in Europe, after all.

Here's more info on the smart's ecological footprint:

the official ecological word from the smart Canada site.

- Gary

[if someone knows how to shorten this mammoth url, do it!] :

www.smart.com/-snm-0167926252-1138006716-0000030351-0000003652-1139381496-enm-is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/mpc-ca-content-Site/en_CA/-/CAD/SVCPresentationPipeline-Start;sid=IQQt5WarplAo5SVCteOk7eShjtc_n_iQKePIhmxw?Page=issite%3a%2f%2fsmart-Site%2fsmart%2ecom%2fRootFolder%2fsmart%2fsmartimdetail%2foekologie%2epage

[100MPGUS]

Link

[MikeT]

I will be getting the filter. I think this site should lead a discussion with M-B about this; they were free in Europe, after all.

Yes we should, because the filter installation will no doubt require re-calibration of the fuel map, and installation of some extra sensors.......without manufacturer support, it may not be possible to install one successfully.

[bilgladstone]

Good info, Mike. This isn't the Blue Tech NO2 filter, is it?

I will be getting the filter. I think this site should lead a discussion with M-B about this; they were free in Europe, after all.

Here's more info on the smart's ecological footprint:

the official ecological word from the smart Canada site.

- Gary

[if someone knows how to shorten this mammoth url, do it!] :

Here you go: tinyurl.com/79vrt

[RichHelms]

BlueTec isn't just a filter. I am writing an article on it right now.

The idea of BlueTec is to reduce the NO2 emissions. GoBlue (an ammonia mixture) is injected in small quantities in the exhaust. I am special converter chamber the Ammonia reacts with the NO2 to form Water and N2 (Nitrogen).

The amount of GoBlue used is so small the tank is only filled every oil change. MB Tractor Trailers in europe have used it for a few years now. In combination with a particulate filter, ULSD and hotter burning the emissions of NO2 as well as perticulate are so low they pass the California standard through 2009.

MB is announcing the E320 BlueTec this fall.