In February 2023, we received the long-awaited R115 approval for the 5.7 L V8 HEMI engine family. This approval marks the start of the conversion and sale of our advanced CombiFuel® technology for all 5.7 L V8 HEMI engines.
But what exactly is the R115 certification? And what is there to know about retrofitting with CombiFuel® technology? You will learn all about it in this article.
What is UN-ECE-R115 certification?
UN-ECE R115 certification refers to the approval of LPG and CNG retrofit systems for vehicles by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The UNECE is a United Nations body responsible for developing and implementing international regulations and standards for road transport. ECE-R115 came into force in October 2003 and imposes requirements on manufacturers of LPG systems with regard to:
- Documentation
- Emission behaviour
- Quality standards
The R115 Regulation sets out the requirements for the approval of retrofit gas systems for vehicles that run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG). The Regulation includes specific emission limits for carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and other pollutants.
Certification to UN-ECE-R115 is important for manufacturers of LPG retrofit systems and for vehicle manufacturers who wish to equip their vehicles with LPG or CNG systems. Such certification ensures that the exhaust system meets the strict emission standards and is therefore safe and environmentally friendly.
The ECE R115 regulation states that in vehicles that are to be converted to LPG, only systems that have an ECE R115 certificate in conjunction with the corresponding documentation may be installed. Until now, so-called individual exhaust gas certificates could be issued for individual vehicles. This is no longer possible since 01 October 2017. Exceptions are vehicles of emission class Euro 2 and older, or individually approved vehicles. In practice, this means that the manufacturer of the gas systems must have an ECE R115 certificate for each vehicle for which he offers a conversion.
What are the advantages of UN-ECE-R115 certification?
The advantages of UN-ECE-R115 certification are as follows:
- International recognition: UN-ECE-R115 certification is internationally recognized and allows vehicles and exhaust systems to be exported to many countries around the world.
- Environmental friendly: The certification ensures that the exhaust systems meet strict emission standards and are therefore more environmentally friendly.
- Safety: Certification ensures that the exhaust systems are safe and do not pose a potential danger to the vehicle’s occupants or other road users.
- Compatibility:: Certification ensures that the exhaust systems are compatible with the respective vehicle types and engine types and have no negative impact on their performance.
- Compliance with legal regulations: The certification ensures that the exhaust systems comply with the legal requirements and therefore do not cause any legal problems.
Overall, UN-ECE-R115 certification provides a way for manufacturers to market their products internationally while ensuring that they are environmentally friendly, safe and legally compliant.
What does the conversion of the 5.7 L V8 HEMI engine family with a CombiFuel® system mean?
The CombiFuel® technology has features that differ from conventional LPG converters. For example, the use of CombiFuel® technology makes it possible on the one hand to reduce fuel costs by up to 50 % and on the other hand to reduce exhaust emissions by up to 95 %.
These properties are achieved by several important components. The effective calorific value of the gas mixture LPG is determined and processed in the self-developed electronic system. The intelligent control system adapts to the vehicle in many ways. In parallel, an HHO gas is produced on the vehicle, which enables optimal combustion through the intelligent engine control, thus reducing emissions and fuel consumption and maintaining performance. All in all, the operator of the CombiFuel® system benefits from reduced operating costs and society from reduced emissions.
The UN-ECE-R115 certification for the entire engine family of the 5.7 L V8 HEMI includes all vehicles equipped with this engine. These typically include the RAM1500 from 2009 onwards, the DODGE Durango from 2010 onwards and the JEEP Grand Cherokee from 2017 onwards.
What performance increase is possible by converting the 5.7 L V8 HEMI engine family?
The CombiFuel® technology keeps to the performance parameters of the original engine. In specific applications, however, the power curve can be positively influenced, which is quite noticeable to the driver. For example, CombiFuel® technology achieves full power when burning LPG even in full-load operation. Even when used at high altitudes, the CombiFuel® technology achieves a noticeably higher output compared to the original engine.
Are there certain requirements that my vehicle must fulfil in order to have the conversion of the 5.7 L V8 HEMI engine family carried out?
The vehicle must be equipped with the 5.7 L V8 HEMI engine and be integrated in the UN-ECE-R115 approval of the engine family. These are among others typically the
- RAM 1500 from model year 2009
- the DODGE Durango from 2010 and
- the JEEP Grand Cherokee from model year 2017
Please contact us, we will be happy to check your vehicle data.
How long does it take to convert the 5.7 L V8 HEMI engine family?
The CombiFuel® technology is offered in monovalent and bivalent versions.
In the monovalent version, the original petrol tank is removed and replaced by a 15-litre tank. In certain markets, this step is necessary in order for the optimized emission values to be accepted by the authorities. In these markets, the optimized emission values often have a direct influence on emission-related taxes and duties.
With the bivalent version, the original petrol tank remains, which in fact improves the range. The CombiFuel® technology achieves the same values in LPG operation as with the monovalent version. However, the acceptance of the emission values is dependent on the authorities.
The installation is carried out exclusively by an authorized CFT installation partner and takes between 8 to 10 hours, depending on the model.
How much does the conversion of the HEMI 5.7 l engine family cost?
The first 100 customers benefit from an introductory discount of CHF 250.00 excl. VAT. The non-binding sales price for the bivalent version in Switzerland is CHF 5’100.00 incl. VAT.
The price includes the CombiFuel® system in bivalent version, the installation by an authorized CFT installation partner, the registration in the vehicle documents, as well as the comprehensive warranty insurance for 2 years or 100,000 km (whichever comes first). The warranty insurance includes the engine, the drive train and the exhaust system.
The CombiFuel® system can be amortized through the reduced fuel costs. The break-even point, however, depends on use and consumption and starts at around 40,000 km. Within 100,000 km, the CombiFuel® system can save up to 8 tons of CO2 emissions.
Where can I have the conversion of the 5.7 L V8 HEMI engine family performed?
The CFT system can only be retrofitted at an authorized CFT installation partner. The CFT installation partner receives in-depth training on CombiFuel® in order to be able to install the system professionally and in compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Does the conversion of the CombiFuel® ECER115 gas system affect the warranty of my vehicle?
The CombiFuel® technology is certified according to the strictest regulations of UN-ECE-R115. With the installation of CombiFuel® technology, a factory warranty is automatically activated, covering damage to the engine, exhaust and drivetrain for 2 years or 100,000 km (whichever comes first). Optionally, the factory warranty can be extended to 5 years/150,000 km.
Are you interested in CombiFuel® technology for the 5.7 L V8 HEMI engine family? We will be happy to advise you!
