This study presents an experimental investigation into the impact of blending bioethanol (E100) with conventional gasoline (E0), incrementally increasing biofuel levels up to E10, E50, and E70. The test was carried out in two stages: Stage I assessed the engine’s performance under fixed speeds (n = 2000 rpm and n = 2500 rpm) and fixed throttle positions (15%, 20%, and 25%) to measure changes in engine torque, efficiency, and environmental metrics by varying the concentration of bioethanol in the fuel. Stage II aimed to enrich the initial findings by conducting an additional test, running the engine at a fixed speed (n = 2000 rpm) and braking torque (M_B = 80 Nm) and varying the ignition timing. Results indicated slight improvements in engine brake torque and thermal efficiency (up to 1.7%) with bioethanol content increased to 70%, and a notable reduction in incomplete combustion byproducts—carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons emissions (up 15% and 43%). Nitrogen oxide emissions were reduced by up to 23%, but carbon dioxide emissions decreased by a mere 1.1%. In order to increase thermal efficiency by adding higher bioethanol blend concentrations, adjusting the ignition timing to counter the longer ignition delay is necessary; however, higher emissions of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons are a major drawback of such a strategy. The results of the research are important in determining the optimal concentration of bioethanol in the mixture with gasoline for the energy and environmental sustainability of a spark ignition engine.

Increasing the use of renewable biofuels in internal-combustion-engine (ICE) vehicles is a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving fossil fuels. Hybrid vehicles used in urban environments significantly reduce fuel consumption compared to conventional internal-combustion-engine cars. In hybrid vehicles integrating electric propulsion with biofuels offers even more significant potential to lower fuel consumption. One would like to think they should also be less polluted in all cases, but some results show that the opposite is true. This study’s aim was to evaluate a hybrid vehicle’s energy and environmental performance using different gasoline–bioethanol blends. A Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC) study was conducted on a Toyota Prius II hybrid vehicle to assess changes in energy and environmental performance. During the WLTC test, data were collected from the chassis dynamometer, exhaust gas analyser, fuel consumption meter, and engine control unit (ECU). The collected data were synchronised, and calculations were performed to determine the ICE cycle work, brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), pollutant emissions (CO, HC, and NO_x), CO₂ mass emissions per cycle, and brake specific pollutant emissions per kilometre. The study shows that the performance of the hybrid vehicle’s ICE is strongly influenced by the utilisation of electrical energy stored in the battery, especially at low and medium speeds. As the bioethanol concentration increases, the engine’s ECU advances the ignition timing based on the knock sensor signal. A comprehensive evaluation using the WLTC indicates that increasing the bioethanol concentration up to 70% improves the energy efficiency of the hybrid vehicle’s internal combustion engine and reduces pollutant and CO₂ emissions.

This study investigates the impact of hydrogen supplementation on the performance, efficiency, and emissions of a spark-ignition internal combustion engine, with a specific focus on knock phenomena. A Nissan HR16DE engine was modified to operate in a dual-fuel mode using gasoline (E95) and high-purity hydrogen. Hydrogen was injected via secondary manifold injectors and managed through a reprogrammable MoTeC ECU, allowing precise control of ignition timing and fuel delivery. Experiments were conducted across various engine speeds and loads, with hydrogen mass fractions ranging from 0% to 30%. Results showed that increasing hydrogen content enhanced combustion intensity, thermal efficiency, and stability. Brake specific fuel consumption decreased by up to 43.4%, while brake thermal efficiency improved by 2–3%. CO, HC, and CO₂ emissions were significantly reduced. However, NO_x emissions increased with higher hydrogen concentrations due to elevated combustion temperatures. Knock tendency was effectively mitigated by retarding ignition timing, ensuring peak in-cylinder pressure occurred at 14–15° CAD aTDC. These findings demonstrate the potential of hydrogen supplementation to reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions in spark ignition engines, while highlighting the importance of precise combustion control to address challenges such as knock and NO_x formation.

The utilization of “green” hydrogen in transportation areas gives rise to production- and supply infrastructure-related challenges; therefore, its wider application in automotive transport would lead to higher demand with cost reduction and a faster expansion of the hydrogen refuelling network. This study presents energy and environmental performance indicators analyses of a Nissan Qashqai J10 engine during the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC), replacing conventional fossil gasoline with dual-fuel (D-F) gasoline and hydrogen. Numerical modelling was conducted using AVL Cruise™ (Version R2022.2) software, utilizing the torque, fuel consumption, and environmental performance data of the HR16DE engine obtained through experimental testing across a wide range of loads and speeds on an engine test bench. The experimental investigation was carried out in two stages: using pure gasoline (G100); injecting a hydrogen additive into the intake air, constituting 5% of the gasoline mass (G95H5). Following similar stages, numerical modelling was conducted using the vehicle’s technical specifications to calculate engine load and speed throughout the WLTC range. Instant fuel consumption and pollutant emissions (CO, CH, NO_x) were determined for various driving modes using experimental data maps. CO₂ emissions were calculated considering fuel composition and consumption. By integrating the instant values, the total and specific fuel consumption and emissions were calculated. As a result, this study identified the effect of a 5% hydrogen additive in improving engine energy efficiency, reducing incomplete combustion products and lowering greenhouse gas (CO₂) emissions under various driving modes. Finally, the results were compared with the requirements of EU standards.

The research paper presents a simulation-driven investigation into the effects of tire dynamics on vehicle safety by examining the influence of inflation pressure and load variability in both new and service-aged pneumatic tires. The proposed methodology combines finite element analysis with experimental measurements to accurately characterize tire behaviour while avoiding the complexity associated with detailed composite material modelling. Pre-experimental data are employed to calibrate and validate the numerical model, enabling realistic prediction of tire dynamic responses under various operating conditions. The developed approach facilitates the assessment of tire performance across a range of inflation pressures and vertical loads, allowing a comparative evaluation of new and service-aged tires in terms of deformation characteristics and dynamic stability. Furthermore, the numerical simulations investigate how pressure loss and load variability affect tire blowout conditions and braking performance, both of which are relevant to overall vehicle safety. The results demonstrate that tire aging, together with improper inflation pressure and increased loading, significantly influences tire dynamic behaviour and vehicle stability, leading to measurable changes in braking distance and road-holding capability. The proposed simulation-driven framework provides an efficient and reliable tool for evaluating service-aged tire performance under realistic service conditions and supports the development of safer tire designs and maintenance strategies aimed at improving road traffic safety.