New technology responses

The method for estimating the future fuel consumed and therefore greenhouse gases from cars and trucks is founded on the calculation of the aggregate performance of the vehicle population and its dynamics. Projections made are based on the author's studies of the probable improvement in fuel consumption of new generations of cars and trucks. Alternative fuels are examined which could be made economically attractive with reduced tax or large subsidies including methanol as M85, ethanol as E15 for cars and methane gas (from biomass or natural gas) and M85 for trucks. These are the only fuels which are likely to lead to greenhouse gas reductions. It is concluded that each of the alternative fuels can play significant roles in reducing oil consumption but their contribution to reduced greenhouse gas emissions is negligible to marginal. It would be better to focus attention on improvements to vehicle fuel efficiency and the infrastructure in which they operate, to accelerate the fleet turnover and to encourage increased vehicle occupancy.

• Authors:
  • Watson, H C
• Conference:
  • Energy Consumption in Transport -- Where to Now?, Workshop, 1992, Canberra, Australia
• Publication Date: 1992

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 25p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternate fuels; Automobiles; Energy conservation; Exhaust gases; Forecasting; Fuel consumption; Greenhouse effect; Technology; Trucks; Vehicle design
• ATRI Terms: Alternative fuel; Car; Energy conservation; Forecast; Fuel consumption; Greenhouse effect; Technology; Truck; Vehicle design; Vehicle emissions
• Subject Areas: Energy; Motor Carriers;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01432912
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 24 2012 5:17PM