DOE Co-Optima research report looks at both biofuels and engines to make improvements

In Washington, D.C., the newly released report resulting from a six-year collaborative undertaking from the U.S. Department of Energy Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines examined synergies provided by co-optimizing potential fuels with advanced engine technologies.

Top researchers from national labs across the country set out to give American industry and policymakers the scientific knowledge, data, and tools needed to decide which new fuel-engine combinations for vehicles could most realistically benefit drivers, businesses, and the environment. On their own, bio-based fuels and advanced engines can deliver modest fuel economy and environmental advantages. When those new fuels and engines are designed to work together, even more meaningful improvements are possible.

Co-Optima research revealed ways to improve fuel economy by 10% for today’s turbocharged car engines with new fuel options. Improved fuels combined with advanced engines were shown to deliver up to an extra 14% increase in fuel economy. Plus, researchers identified domestically sourced, bio-based fuels that produce 60% fewer GHG emissions than those generated by petroleum-based fuels when used in on-road vehicles. The scientists also explain how 99% of some of the most harmful freight truck criteria pollutants could be eliminated.