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This study evaluates the influence of speciated emissions on ozone reactivity using the values of Maximum Incremental Reactivity published by the California Air Resources Board in September 1990. To evaluate the influence of fuels and vehicle specifications on speciated emissions and ozone reactivity, three different fuels (gasoline, reformulated gasoline, and methanol (M85)) were used. Hydrocarbon species were measured using three types of gas chromatographs. Aldehydes were collected in a dry cartridge and measured by High Performance Liquid Chromatograhpy (HPLC). Alcohols were collected using impingers and measured by a gas chromatograph. In the case of gasoline, as Non-methane Organic Gas (NMOG) is reduced, the proportion of speciated emissions with high ozone reactivity decreases, and this tends to lower Ozone Forming Potential (OFP). In the case of reformulated gasoline, OFP does not decrease, but Non-methane Hydrocarbons (NMHC) do as NMOG is reduced.

This paper describes Nissan's research and development work on flexible fuel vehicles. Nissan has been engaged in R&D activities for flexible fuel vehicles to examine the possibilities for long-range energy conservation and air quality improvements. The flexible fuel research vehicle described here employs an electrostatic type sensor to measure the methanol concentration in the fuel and the engine system has been designed to burn a wide variety of fuels from M85 to MO (gasoline). Test results obtained with this research vehicle indicate that OMHCE and NOx emissions with M85 are lower than with MO under a fresh catalyst condition. However, by the end of a 50,000 mile durability test, NOx emissions with M85 increase to the same level as with MO. The use of M85 as the fuel results in a pronounced increase in aldehyde emissions compared with MO.