Future Truck Program Position Paper: Future Alternatively Fueled Engines Review of Viable Alternative Fuel Options

Various groups are researching and promoting different fuels, various states are encouraging alternative fuel use, and the federal government may mandate alternative fuels for private (i.e. non-government) fleets. A number of different fuels are being considered as alternatives to conventional diesel fuel and gasoline. In addition to the “traditional” natural gas, propane and alcohols (methanol and ethanol), new ones appear periodically, such as DME, DEE etc. It is not possible to predict which ones will be the fuel of choice if alternative fuels have to be used either because of government mandates or lack of availability of diesel fuel. However, liquified natural gas (LNG) and biodiesel appear to be and compressed natural gas (CNG) appears delivery applications.

Issued: March 2001