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Trends in auto emissions and gasoline composition
1Mechanical Engineering Department, University of California at Berkeley 94720.
Environmental Health Perspectives
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Reformulated gasoline, a cleaner fuel, will be introduced in the mid-1990s to reduce automotive emissions. This change is driven by air pollution concerns and regulatory pressures.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
Background:
- The internal combustion engine and gasoline have co-evolved over the past century, leading to high annual gasoline consumption in the United States.
- Persistent air pollution issues and stringent regulatory demands necessitate further reductions in automotive emissions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of reformulated gasoline in achieving future automotive emissions reductions.
- To outline the ongoing development and anticipated introduction of reformulated gasoline.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the co-evolution of internal combustion engines and gasoline composition.
- Examination of regulatory pressures driving emissions reductions.
- Overview of the auto and oil industry's cooperative data generation program for reformulated gasoline.
Main Results:
- Engine and emissions control technology have historically been primary drivers of emission reductions.
- Changing gasoline composition is identified as a critical factor for the next phase of emissions reduction.
- A reformulated gasoline is being rapidly defined through industry collaboration.
Conclusions:
- Reformulated gasoline is expected to be introduced in high-ozone regions of the United States by the mid-1990s.
- Alternative clean fuels such as methane, methanol, and liquid petroleum gas will also see increased use, particularly in fleet operations.