The VERT GPF-Retrofit Program for Cleaner Urban Mobility within the HORIZON Europe AeroSolfd Project

Launched in 2022, AeroSolfd, a HORIZON Europe project, aims to advance clean urban mobility by developing affordable and sustainable retrofit solutions for gasoline vehicles. This three-year initiative addresses not only tailpipe emissions but also brake emissions and pollution in semi-enclosed environments. Within AeroSolfd, the Swiss-based VERT association focuses on reducing tailpipe emissions using state-of-the-art Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) technology featuring an uncoated ceramic multicell wall-flow filter. VERT, in partnership with HJS, CPK, BFH, developed and tested a GPF-retrofit system at Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL 8). Results demonstrate over 99% filtration efficiency for particles smaller than 500 nm on standard cycles (WLTC) and real-world driving cycles (RDE). Forty-two gasoline vehicles (GDI and PFI) were retrofitted with the GPF retrofit across Germany, Switzerland, Israel, and Denmark over a 6 to 8-month operational period. No issues were observed with filter regeneration, or increased fuel consumption, noise, drivability or secondary emissions. This paper presents the GPF retrofit program and field trial results.