Analysis of Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Light Duty Passenger Cars

Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from light-duty vehicles have received attention recently because of increased focus on global warming and climate change. Relative to emissions of regulated pollutants like hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from all vehicles are generally very low. However, N₂O is a powerful greenhouse gas, and small emissions of N₂O can contribute substantially to total GHG inventories.

Two fleets of different vehicle models, both meeting the current US Tier 1 emission standard, were evaluated in an effort to develop a better understanding of N₂O emissions from modern three-way catalyst-equipped vehicles. Nine 1997 Ford Crown Victoria vehicles operating on clean-burning US Federal Phase 2 Reformulated Gasolines were assessed over 60,000 miles. For additional comparison, testing was also conducted with catalysts from six 1994 Toyota Camry vehicles, which had previously undergone 110,000 miles of controlled mileage accumulation. Emissions measurements were conducted on a second-by-second basis using FTIR during the US Federal Test Procedure cycle. This allowed both modal emissions analysis and calculation of equivalent mass bag emissions. Potential impacts of vehicle technology, catalyst aging, modal operation and the fuel additive MMT on tailpipe N₂O emissions are discussed.