Driving Cleaner: How DEF Supports Sustainability

The push for cleaner and sustainable business practices continues to grow. With stricter emissions regulations and increasing concerns about climate change, fleets are under pressure to reduce their environmental impact, and DEF remains a practical solution for making diesel engines more sustainable.

DEF is a non-toxic, blue-tinted solution composed of 32.5% urea and 67.5% deionized water. It is used in diesel vehicles equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to reduce harmful emissions. When injected into the exhaust system, DEF breaks down NOx—one of the primary contributors to air pollution—into harmless nitrogen and water vapor.

Using DEF helps reduce emissions and enhances the overall performance of diesel engines. DEF promotes more efficient combustion, allowing engines to operate optimally, which can result in improved power output and fuel efficiency. This translates into a practical benefit: lower fuel consumption and reduced operating costs.  Better engine performance means less wear and tear, which can extend vehicle lifespans and reduce maintenance costs. Incorporating DEF should be viewed not merely as a compliance measure but as a strategic approach to maximizing fleet productivity and profitability.

Some facts about Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

• DEF was developed to reduce NOx emissions in European cities first.
• DEF can reduce NOx emissions from diesel engines by as much as 90%.
• DEF does NOT hurt your fuel economy, some trucks with it get even better MPGs.
• DEF Demand is set to increase in the next years. Learn here what’s driving this growth and how to plan ahead.

How DEF Fits into Environmental Regulations

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated the use of DEF in on-road heavy-duty vehicles through a phased approach starting in 2010. In the United States, Tier 4 emissions standards require diesel engines to achieve significant reductions in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, aligning with the Clean Air Act.

On-Road Vehicles

The EPA began requiring DEF for new on-road heavy-duty vehicle engines in January 2010, specifically for model year 2010 and newer heavy-duty highway compression-ignition engines. The mandate was introduced in stages:

• 2010: Required for new heavy-duty highway engines
• 2013: Expanded to include new heavy-duty vocational vehicles
• 2015: Applied to all new diesel trucks and buses
• 2027: Apply to heavy-duty engines – model year 2027 and later, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by an additional 29% by 2032.

This phased approach allowed vehicle and engine manufacturers time to develop, test, and implement the technology while enabling the DEF supply chain to expand. According to the EPA, NOx emissions from diesel engines have decreased by over 40% since the adoption of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology.

Nonroad Vehicles

The EPA also implemented DEF requirements for nonroad diesel vehicles, including agricultural, construction, and mining equipment, starting in 2008. The rollout followed a phased approach based on engine size and equipment type. In 2008, DEF became mandatory for new diesel engines over 750 horsepower in agricultural equipment. By 2011, the requirement expanded to mining equipment with engines between 175 and 750 horsepower. In 2013, it applied to construction equipment within the same horsepower range. Finally, in 2015, DEF requirements covered all new nonroad diesel engines, regardless of equipment type or size.

Looking for High-Quality DEF for your Fleet? Look no further!

Mansfield Energy understands the importance of protecting your fleet assets. Today’s high-tech diesel engines are expensive. Using poor quality, off-spec DEF can increase fuel consumption, equipment downtime, and maintenance expenses. Mansfield ensures customers always have a reliable supply of high-quality DEF that consistently meets ISO standards.

With our extensive network of DEF distribution partners combined with our own dedicated assets, Mansfield offers unmatched DEF logistics to ensure you always have the DEF you need. Contact us today!

DEF Equipment Catalog

Looking for the right equipment for your DEF needs? With Mansfield’s DEF Equipment Catalog, you can explore a variety of DEF equipment options and request information or purchase support directly. Check out our online catalog today!