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The use of CNG in light-duty vehicles is well known and widespread in Brazil, mainly in the state of Rio de Janeiro. In theory, the application of this technology could provide greater energy efficiency and lower emissions of pollutants. However, it is known that the majority of CNG kits installed do not meet the environmental requirements established by the Brazilian legislation. This work quantifies the average emissions from light-duty vehicles converted to CNG use in the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro, where 47% of the Brazilian CNG fleet runs. For this purpose, initially a field survey of gas stations was performed in this Region, in order to define the representativeness of CNG kits in terms of technology generation and brand, as well as manufacturer, model, displacement, original fuel and manufacture year of vehicles in which such kits were installed.

Due to worldwide concern regarding greenhouse gases emission, mainly CO₂, automakers are developing new technologies to reduce vehicles' fuel consumption. One of the most promising technologies, growing fast in USA, Japan and Europe is the Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). In the Brazilian Market, HEVs availability is still absent, which causes uncertainties about possible impacts caused by the introduction of this new vehicle technology in the big cities. However, as requirements of non-pollutant technologies arise, HEVs are expected to be available in Brazilian Market in the next years. Within this scenario, in 2002, aiming to evaluate the adequacy of Brazilian Gasolines blended with up to 25% v/v of Ethanol in HEV technology, Petrobras Research and Development Center (CENPES) purchased from USA a 2002 Toyota Prius and a 2002 Honda Insight. Since then, both HEVs are being tested at CENPES's Vehicle Test Laboratory (LEV).

The Brazilian National Program for Motor Vehicle Pollution Control (PROCONVE) was created in 1986, following USA legislation, including FTP-75 dynamometer driving cycle. This program is going on with success in the reduction of emission limits through the years aiming the improvement of air quality in Brazilian big cities. Since January 2009, PROCONVE phase L-5 establishes emission limits for new light-duty vehicles sold in the country, including: NMHC (Non Methane Hydrocarbons), CO, NOx and Total Aldehyde (Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde). Next PROCONVE phase, L-6 that will start in 2014, will not include limits for NMOG (Non Methane Organic Gases), which is legislated in USA Tier 2, a relevant emission parameter in terms of ozone production. For the L-6 will be available in the country, a 50 ppm low-sulfur gasoline for vehicle emission homologation, similar to a USEPA standard gasoline.