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New green fuel technology derived from bio-based oil so-called Bio-Hydrogenated Diesel or BHD has been successfully formulated and evaluated with the Euro IV light-duty pick-up diesel common-rail engines and vehicles. Research program has been separated into 4 main working groups which compose of the fuel formulation group, the material compatibility group, the engine and fuel system evaluation group and the vehicle emission/drive-ability and durability group. The effects of target BHD blended fuel on advance technology diesel engine compared with standard biodiesel B5 fuel used in Thailand have been fully evaluated by a reputable car manufacturer and national oil company in Thailand. The formulation of BHD target could achieve the requirement of Department of Energy Business (DOEB), Ministry of Energy Thailand diesel specification both physical and chemical properties.

The higher portion of biodiesel blended fuel will result in lower power output since biodiesel itself has lower energy input (B20 gave about 3% lower torque output at peak torque speed). In the ELR (Engine Load Response) Test Cycle, biodiesel blended fuel emitted less smoke than diesel fuel, while CO and NOx emission of biodiesel blended fuel and diesel fuel are comparable. Biodiesel particulate matter (PM) seemed to be higher than diesel fuel. In addition, additized biodiesel blended fuels (B5, B10 and B20) proved qualitative in oxidation stability, acid value, etc. Biodiesel specific lubricant confirmed its functions by evaluating the viscosity increase, fuel dilution, TAN, TBN and wear metal content during engine durability test. The used oil analysis affirmed that the lubricant could effectively be used with particular biodiesel blended fuel in advanced, heavy-duty common-rail DI diesel engines.

Diesel fuel is a major grade in the Thai market used in transportation of goods and in most light duty vehicles. Over the last fifteen years the quality of this fuel has continuously increased. This is one of the major factors that have allowed a substantial improvement in air quality. The improvement in diesel fuel quality has been achieved by using a mix of measures, some well known like reduction in sulphur content, whilst others are unique to this market. Since 1993, in Thailand it has been mandatory to use a diesel detergent. This has ensured best driveability and lowest emissions due to the control of injector deposits. This measure was unique in the world and although not mandatory any longer, this market has a large proportion of automotive diesel treated with this type of additive. Another action has been the evaluation of Palm Oil Methyl Ester (PME) and its potential impact in the market. However, experience with PME is limited.

To promote utilization of renewable fuels in transportation sector, the Thai government has actively sought to obtain higher-ratio ethanol blends in gasoline as early as 2007, at which time E85 was introduced and fuel specifications were determined. The purpose of this study is to evaluate E85 fuel performance in flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) with considerations for tailpipe emissions, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde emissions, evaporative emission and vehicle performance. These findings will aid future research in ethanol blends. All tests were conducted utilizing three Volvo S40 FFVs and four specific ethanol blend fuels: E10, E20, E50 and E85 (E-Fuels, collectively). Tailpipe emission tests were conducted in full compliance with Thailand Industrial Standard Institute; TIS 2160 - 2546 (Euro 3 legislation).