European Emissions – ‘Stage V’
In the European Union emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), total hydrocarbon (THC), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM) are regulated for most vehicle types, including cars, trucks (lorries), locomotives, tractors and similar machinery, barges, but excluding seagoing ships and aeroplanes. For each vehicle type, different standards apply. Compliance is determined by running the engine at a standardised test cycle. Non-compliant vehicles cannot be sold in the EU, but new standards do not apply to vehicles already on the roads. No use of specific technologies is mandated to meet the standards, though available technology is considered when setting the standards. New models introduced must meet current or planned standards, but minor lifecycle model revisions may continue to be offered with pre-compliant engines.
Along with Emissions standards the European Union has also mandated a number of computer on-board diagnostics for the purposes of increasing safety for drivers. These standards are used in relation to the emissions standards.
As you are aware, in order to gradually reduce air pollution, Directive 97/68/EC, which established requirements relating to emission limits (stages I, II, IIIA, IIIB and IV) and type-approval procedures for engines for non-road mobile machinery, was adopted in 1997.
In January 2017, Directive 97/68/EC was repealed and superseded by Regulation (EU) No 2016/1628, which establishes emission limits for gaseous and particulate pollutants (known as Stage V) for engines of non-road mobile machinery, as well as administrative and technical requirements relating to type approval. This regulation will affect products marketed from 1 January 2019. However, it provides for a ‘transition’ period, in which equipment with engines manufactured in 2018, so not Stage V-approved, may be sold.
Himoinsa Stage V Transition Programme
HIMOINSA is working on the design of a new range of generator sets with STAGE V engines, based on EU Regulation 2016/1628 for off-road mobile machinery (NRMM).
The new Stage V generator sets will incorporate all manner of design and innovation features that will make it one of the most technologically advanced and competitive products in the European rental market.
HIMOINSA will continue to offer generator sets with Stage IIIA engines for a period of up to 24 months after the new regulation goes into effect.
The transition period for generator sets with powers of less than 56KW and more than 130KW will last until December 2020. However, models with powers between56 and 130KW, with Stage IIIA engines, will continue to be marketed until December 2021.

