A COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT GASOHOL FUEL ECONOMY DATA

All currently available comparative gasohol fuel consumption data are summarized and analyzed, representing the results of 16 different gasohol test programs conducted or sponsored by Federal and state government agencies and private concerns. Ten programs utilized chassis dynamometers; six involved road tests. Data from each program were subjected to a statistical analysis, and all of the data combined to determine an overall mean gasohol fuel economy. Dynamometer data analysis predicted that the use of gasohol will result in a statistically significant decrease (about 2%) in fuel economy, while road test data analysis predicted about a 4% reduction (result not considered statistically significant). The lesser significance of the road test results is due partly to the more variable nature of the test environment and the nonpairing by fuel of some test programs, necessitating use of statistical methods with lower resolution. Limited dynamometer data at simulated winter and summer driving temperatures indicate that gasohol fuel economy is lower at temperatures higher and lower than 75 degrees F.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at the SAE West Coast International Meeting, Los Angeles, 11-14 August 1980. Research sponsored by American Petroleum Institute.
• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

  400 Commonwealth Drive
  Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
• Authors:
  • Shadis, W J
  • McCallum, P W
• Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 11 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Dynamometers; Gasohol; Road tests; Temperature; Testing
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00376917
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: SAE-800889, HS-030 099
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 30 1983 12:00AM