Overview of the DOE Heavy Vehicle Technologies R&D Program 1999-01-2235

The DOE Office of Heavy Vehicle Technologies (OHVT) focuses its research and development efforts on technologies that are critical to the needs of the U.S. heavy vehicle industry because of the importance of trucks and other heavy vehicles to economic activity and growth. A strategy has been crafted in collaboration with OHVT's industry customers (truck and engine manufacturers, fuel developers/producers, and their suppliers, truck users, and others) that will enable future energy demand of the U.S. heavy vehicle industry to be met, with reduced dependence on imported oil, and without adverse environmental effects. This strategy is centered on the technical strengths of the advanced compression-ignition (Diesel cycle) engine and its potential to use fuels from alternative feedstocks, and to reduce exhaust emissions to very low levels. Laboratory results to date indicate that very low emissions of criteria pollutants appear achievable, making the diesel engine a viable technology for reducing transportation energy demand, reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, and increasing use of alternative fuels from non-petroleum feedstocks.