Volkswagen's diesel scandal, explained

Summary

The EPA recently exposed Volkswagen and Audi for using a 'defeat device' in some diesel cars made between 2009 and 2015 to circumvent emissions laws. These devices tricked regulatory tests, showing compliance while emitting up to 40 times more pollutants under normal driving conditions. The sophisticated software detected test conditions by monitoring steering wheel position, speed, engine runtime, and atmospheric pressure. Volkswagen's CEO has resigned, and the company faces serious legal and financial repercussions, including potential recalls and class action lawsuits.

Takeaways

• 🚗 Last Friday, the EPA announced that some Volkswagen and Audi cars made between 2009 and the current year were using a 'defeat device' to circumvent emissions laws.
• 💻 Modern cars, including the implicated Volkswagen and Audi models, are equipped with numerous computers that control engine functions, including emissions management.
• 🛠️ Diesel engines, like those in the affected Volkswagen and Audi cars, have a 'NOx trap' that reduces harmful nitrogen oxide emissions, which works best with a specific amount of unburned fuel.
• 🔍 The defeat device is a software program that tricks emissions tests by altering the car's performance to meet standards when in fact it does not.
• 🌟 The affected Volkswagen models were known for their good fuel economy, but the NOx trap's effectiveness was compromised when the car was not in test mode, leading to increased emissions.
• 🔑 The defeat device could detect an official emissions test by monitoring various parameters like steering wheel position, speed, engine runtime, and atmospheric pressure.
• 🚫 The sophisticated system used by Volkswagen to deceive emissions tests is not accidental and indicates deliberate corporate deception.
• 👨‍💼 The scandal led to the resignation of Volkswagen's CEO, Martin Winterkorn, highlighting the severity of the issue for the company.
• 🚦 For the half a million owners of the affected diesel vehicles, they are still safe to drive until a recall is issued by Volkswagen, which will likely involve a software update.
• 💼 Class action lawsuits are being prepared, and car owners may eventually receive compensation for the deceit, although this process will take time.

Q & A

What is a 'defeat device' as mentioned in the context of Volkswagen and Audi cars?

A 'defeat device' is a special program inside a car's computer system designed to make it appear as if the vehicle meets emission standards during testing, even when it does not.

Why do modern cars have computers inside them?

Modern cars have computers to coordinate engine functions for optimal performance while ensuring that emissions are within legal limits, by controlling parameters like fuel-to-air ratio and sensor data.

How do diesel engines in Volkswagen and Audi models cheat on emissions tests?

The cheating models use a defeat device that detects when an emissions test is being conducted and adjusts the fuel usage to make the NOx trap work effectively, reducing emissions temporarily.

What is a NOx trap and why is it significant for diesel engines?

A NOx trap is a device that absorbs and traps nitrogen oxides, which are pollutants. It is significant for diesel engines because it helps reduce harmful emissions, and its effectiveness is enhanced with the presence of unburned fuel.

How does the defeat device in Volkswagen and Audi cars detect an emissions test?

The defeat device uses a sophisticated system that checks various parameters such as steering wheel position, speed, engine run time, and atmospheric pressure to determine if the car is undergoing an official emissions test.

What are the consequences of using a defeat device for Volkswagen and Audi?

The consequences include legal troubles, damage to the company's reputation, potential fines, and the resignation of the CEO, as well as the need to recall and update the software in affected vehicles.

What should owners of affected Volkswagen and Audi diesel cars do?

Owners can continue to drive their cars until a recall is issued. They may also be eligible for compensation through potential class action lawsuits in the future.

How might the software update affect the performance of affected Volkswagen and Audi cars?

The software update to remove the defeat device might result in reduced fuel efficiency, as the car will no longer be able to cheat on emissions tests and will have to operate within the actual emission standards.

What are the potential legal actions against Volkswagen due to the defeat device scandal?

Potential legal actions include class action lawsuits from car owners, fines from regulatory agencies, and possible criminal charges for the company and individuals involved in the deception.

What is the impact of the defeat device on the environment?

The defeat device allows the car to emit up to 40 times more pollutants into the atmosphere when not undergoing an emissions test, significantly contributing to air pollution and environmental harm.

How did the EPA discover the use of defeat devices in Volkswagen and Audi cars?

The EPA discovered the use of defeat devices through its own testing and investigation, which revealed discrepancies between the cars' emissions during testing and real-world driving conditions.