ALTERNATIVE FUELS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE MARKET

The advantages and disadvantages of alternative fuels are reviewed in the light of numerous literature sources and in-house data. Emissions, economic factors and their effect on atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration are compared with those of conventional petroleum derived fuels. Alternatives are grouped into gaseous fuels from non-renewable sources and bio-fuels derived from renewable agricultural produce. Methanol is treated separately. The origin and production of fuels, their storage, distribution and effect on vehicle design are considered. General performance factors, including safety, and emission performance of the individual fuels are discussed, and the impact on conventional fuel quality is estimated. European specifications for esterified vegetable oils are given in an appendix with a brief review of the legislative position of alternatives to conventional hydrocarbon fuels in the United States. It is concluded that alternative fuels are unlikely to have a significant effect in the foreseeable future.

• Corporate Authors:

  CONCAWE

  Brussels,   Belgium 
• Authors:
  • HUTCHESON, R C
• Publication Date: 1995

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 76 p.
• Serial:
  • CONCAWE REPORT 2/95
  • Publisher: CONCAWE

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternate fuels; Carbon dioxide; Exhaust pipes; Fuels; Legislation; Methanol; Pollutants; Standards
• ITRD Terms: 7393: Carbon dioxide; 2442: Emission; 1384: Exhaust pipe; 3850: Fuel; 1556: Legislation; 7338: Methanol; 2417: Renewable energy; 187: Specification (standard)
• Subject Areas: Energy; Law;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00720899
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: May 24 1996 12:00AM