1. Automotive Fuels

(1) Research on Automobiles/Fuels to Date

JEPC implemented the Japan Clean Air Program (JCAP), a collaborative research program between automobile and petroleum industries for the purpose of reducing motor vehicle emissions for improving air quality. JCAP I and JCAP II were conducted from fiscal 1997 to 2001 and from fiscal 2002 to 2006, respectively. The results of the JCAP have been reflected in the following policies and programs:

a) Verification of the benefits of cleaner emissions and improved fuel economy due to the introduction of lower sulfur content of gasoline/ diesel fuels:

⇒The introduction of sulfur-free gasoline/ diesel fuels into the domestic market was conducted in January 2005 for the first time in the world, due to the voluntary efforts of petroleum industry.

b) Impact evaluation of 8% ETBE blended gasoline on emissions and practicality:

⇒The member companies of the Petroleum Association of Japan started the introduction of ETBE blended gasoline into the market. (In fiscal 2010, 210,000 KL/ year of crude oil equivalent of ETBE (equivalent to about 360,000 KL/year of bioethanol or, about 840,000 KL/year of ETBE) was used as blending stock for gasoline.)

c) Impact evaluation on exhaust after-treatment devices by the sulfated ash/sulfur/phosphorus in diesel engine oil:

⇒The results were reflected in standardization of diesel engine oil for heavy-duty motor vehicles (JASO DH-2 Standard).

d) Evaluation of air quality by means of high-precision air quality simulation:

⇒The effectiveness of 2009 emission regulations in improving air quality was quantitatively estimated, and the results were reported at the hearing of the Expert Committee on Motor Vehicle Exhaust Emission of the Central Environment Council, the Ministry of the Environment.