Round 1 Emissions Results from Compressed Natural Gas Vans and Gasoline Controls Operating in the U.S. Federal Fleet

US Transportation Collectionhttps://doi.org/10.21949/14040641996PDFProceedingsKelly, Kenneth J.Baily, Brent C.Lissiuk, PeterCoburn, Timothy C.Eudy, LeslieNational Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) (U.S.)National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)United StatesAlternate fuelsCompressed natural gasExhaust gasesThe first round of emissions testing of light-duty alternative fuel vehicles placed in the U.S. federal fleet under the provisions of the Alternative Motor Fuels Act was recently completed. This undertaking included 75 Dodge B250 vans, of which 37 were dedicated compressed natural gas models, and 38 were standard gasoline controls. Data were collected on regulated exhaust emissions using the federal test procedures, and on a number of other quantities, through a statistically controlled program of investigation. Fuel economy results were also recorded. All test vehicles were operated in routine federal service activities under normal working conditions, adhering as closely as possible to Chrysler's prescribed maintenance schedules. The data analysis conducted thus far indicates that the compressed natural gas vehicles exhibit notably lover regulated exhaust emissions, on average, than their gasoline counterparts, and that these values are well within U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. In addition, lower levels of toxic constituents are emitted by the compressed natural gas vehicles relative to their gasoline counterparts, and they produce lower levels of ozone precursors as well -- both characteristics that are highly desirable in contemporary transportation fuels. The compressed natural gas vehicles obtain slightly lower fuel economy than their gasoline counterparts on an energy equivalent basis.121