Gaseous-fueled vehicles - an alternative fuels vehicle, emissions, and refueling infrastructure technology assessment
Interest in alternative motor vehicle fuels - liquefied or compressed natural gas, propane, methanol, ethanol, hydrogen, and electricity - has grown tremendously over the last few years. The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, the National Energy Policy Act of 1992 and the California Clean Air Act are primarily responsible for this resurgence and have spurred both the motor fuels and vehicle manufacturing industries into action. For the first time, all three major U.S. auto manufacturers are offering alternative fuel vehicles to the motoring public. At the same time, a small but growing alternative fuels refueling infrastructure is beginning to develop across the country. Although the recent growth in alternative motor fuels use is impressive, their market niche is still being defined. Environmental regulations, a key driver behind alternative fuel use, is forcing both car makers and the petroleum industry to clean up their products. As a result alternative fuels no longer have a lock on the clean air market and will have to compete with conventionally fuelled vehicles in meeting stringent future vehicle emission standards. The development of cleaner burning gasoline powered vehicles has signaled a shift in the marketing of alternative fuels. While they will continue to play a major part in the clean vehicle market, alternative fuels are increasingly recognized as a means to reduce oil imports. This new role is clearly defined in the National Energy Policy Act of 1992. The Act identifies alternative fuels as a key strategy for reducing imports of foreign oil and mandates their use for federal and state fleets, while reserving the right to require private and municipal fleet use as well. This report describes the use of propane, compressed natural gas, and liquefied natural gas in vehicles. Emission characteristics and economics are discussed.
- Research Organization:
- Washington State Energy Office, Olympia, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Washington State Energy Office, Olympia, WA (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 263017
- Report Number(s):
- WSEO--93-117; ON: DE96012986
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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