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Among on-road motor vehicles, diesel-fueled heavy-duty trucks emit disproportionately high amounts of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). The trucking industry has taken an active interest in the use of engines powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) to reduce NOx and PM emissions. However, major barriers exist to widespread use of LNG in trucking applications, including reduced performance and higher initial capital costs compared to diesel-fueled vehicles, as well as a limited fueling infrastructure. To help address these barriers, the California Energy Commission (Commission) joined with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (DOE/NREL) in cost sharing a program led by the West Coast Transportation Technology Group of Arthur D. Little, Inc. (ADLittle).

Typical auto trips are within the driving range of efficient electric vehicles (EVs), but typical vehicle use also includes occasional trips that exceed EV range. EV users may face the necessity of maintaining a second car, or renting a car, for such trips. An alternative is the use of a range extending trailer (RXT), a trailer-mounted generator that, when towed behind an EV, effectively converts the EV to series-hybrid mode for long trips. AC Propulsion Inc., with funding support from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), has developed an RXT to evaluate commercial prospects for this concept. It incorporates a high specific output gasoline-fueled generator-set, engine and fuel controls for low emissions, and self-contained steering control to improve maneuverability. (See Appendix for RXT specifications). Successful series-hybrid operation is demonstrated. Emissions and fuel consumption from RXT operation are quantified.

The California Air Resources Board requires that new California vehicles be equipped with on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems. Starting with the 1988 models, these systems were required on new passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles equipped with three-way catalysts and feed-back fuel controls. The purpose of the OBD system is to expedite the proper repair of emission-related malfunctions and, thus, reduce vehicle emissions. When malfunctons are detected, a malfunction indicator light (MIL) mounted in the dash panel illuminates cautioning the vehicle operator that a repair is needed. Also, a fault code is stored in the OBD computer memory. When the vehicle is brought to a repair facility, the fault code provides the mechanic with the likely areas of malfunction for repairing the vehicle. After the repair is performed, the fault code is cleared, the MIL is extinguished, and the OBD system will subsequently confirm if the proper repair has been performed.