With funding support from the Federal Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts the RTA has conducted tests on a range of alternative fuels to evaluate their effect on emissions.
The RTA assisted trials of biodiesel by Camden and Newcastle Councils. Camden used 100 per cent biodiesel (B100) in one of its waste trucks, while Newcastle City Council used a blend of 20 per cent biodiesel and 80 per cent diesel (B20) in 12 of its test vehicles. The RTA tested the emissions of the vehicles to quantify environmental benefits. It was found that there was a significant reduction in particulate and smoke emissions, no significant increase in nitrous oxide emissions and no significant reduction of engine power. These trials and test results help fleet owners make informed choices when considering using biodiesel.
The RTA also undertook a vehicle testing program comparing exhaust emissions, fuel consumption and power tests on three light duty diesel engines vehicles using diesel and biodiesel fuels. Again the results of this testing program produced similar positive results to the above trials.
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is produced from renewable resources such as vegetable oils and is the only alternative fuel that can potentially be used directly in any existing, unmodified diesel engine. Because of its similar properties, biodiesel can be blended with petroleum diesel fuel.
The biodiesel used in the trials came from a variety of sources, including recycled vegetable oil from local takeaway shops.
Hybrid electric/petrol cars
NSW Government Agencies are required to have 1 per cent of hybrid electric vehicles in their car fleets. The RTA's 35 Toyota Prius hybrid electric/petrol cars exceed this quota.
Hybrid electric vehicles use up to 50 per cent less fuel than conventionally powered vehicles and produce up to 80 per cent less exhaust emissions.
Regenerative braking provides most of the energy efficiency advantage of hybrid-electric vehicles.
When a hybrid-electric vehicle is braking, instead of the braking energy being lost as heat from the brakes it is used to generate electricity which is stored in a battery. An electric motor then uses this stored power to help accelerate the vehicle.
Hybrid-electric vehicles save most energy in stop-go urban driving when compared to traditional cars.
Hybrid electric/diesel truck trials
TNT Express Australia, with RTA assistance undertook a two year trial of hybrid electric/diesel trucks. Nearly 45,000km’s were covered in the trial between September 2004 and November 2006.
The hybrid trucks were trialled in “real world” conditions; undertaking the same delivery tasks and taking the same routes as TNT’s existing diesel trucks. Driver satisfaction, fuel economy, and other operating costs were recorded as part of the trial.
Emissions’ testing by the RTA showed a 49 per cent reduction in nitrous oxides (NOx) and a 98.9 per cent reduction in particulate matter (PM) for the hybrid when compared to a standard diesel vehicle.
It was shown that hybrid trucks were most beneficial in urban traffic conditions, where the vehicle is likely to be stopping and starting frequently or standing still for long periods. Hilly conditions were also suited for the hybrid due to its excellent torque characteristics.
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