Hybrid vehicle technology holds the potential for improved efficiency and emissions compared with internal combustion (IC) engines and improved range and refueling convenience over electric vehicles. This study evaluated the potential for using natural gas as a hybrid vehicle fuel. Potential regulatory and market drivers were evaluated for hybrids generally and natural gas hybrids in specific. Heat engine options and other configuration issues were investigated to determine efficiency, emissions or other benefits of light- and heavy-duty hybrids. Several hybrid vehicle configurations were evaluated to determine the specific packaging attributes of natural gas in a hybrid configuration. Generally, conventional IC engines appear adequate for most emissions-sensitive hybrid applications with no great advantage being gained from using turbines or other more advanced heat engines. The largest technology barrier to a near-term hybrid is the weight of available or near-term batteries. Smaller, light-duty hybrid vehicles will be more sensitive to this weight handicap than larger vehicles such as the urban transit bus.
Natural Gas Applications for Hybrid Vehicles. Final Report, October 1992-July 1993
1993
68 pages
Report
No indication
English
Road Transportation , Fuels , Environmental Studies , Reciprocation & Rotating Combustion Engines , Air Pollution & Control , Natural gas , Automotive fuels , Motor vehicle engines , Exhaust emissions , Exhaust systems , Heat engines , Combustion , Environmental impacts , Air pollution , Vehicle operating costs , Hybrid vehicles