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Another method to advance vehicles is to improve the performance of fuels through fuels research and development, fleet evaluations, and emissions and air quality research.
NREL'S work in advanced petroleum based fuels identifies optimal combinations of fuels, lubricants, engines, and emission control systems. The lab leads the collaborative industry/government Advanced Petroleum Based Fuels Project. It strives to improve fuels and lubricants and develop new ones. It aims to decrease the consumption of imported petroleum, improve emission performance of vehicles, and open pathways to meet future emission standards. Because the transportation sector is a primary source of air pollution, scientists focus on Fuel Technology Impacts by studying ambient air samples and exhaust emission data to determine the effects of pollutants on human health, air quality, and visibility.
NREL researchers also evaluate Nonpetroleum Based Fuels, including renewables such as ethanol and biodiesel, and blends of petroleum and other fuels. Research has been devoted to gaseous fuels, including natural gas, and to Fischer-Tropsch diesel, a liquid fuel that is made from natural gas. Much of the work on vehicles and fuels is done in NREL's own Renewable Fuels and Lubricants Research Laboratory, called the ReFUEL Laboratory, located in Denver, Colorado.
NREL works with industry to develop advanced medium- and heavy-duty natural gas engines and vehicles that meet EPA emission standards. Researchers also work on gaseous fuel infrastructure and hydrogen-natural gas blends. NREL coordinates the Natural Gas Vehicle Technology Forum, which brings together industry and government experts in light-, medium-, and heavy-duty natural gas vehicles and the related infrastructure.
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