It may soon be easier than ever to get your vehicle converted to run on alternative fuels such as natural gas, propane, alcohol fuel or electricity after the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new options for car manufacturers.
The idea is to reduce some economic and procedural impediments to clean alternative fuel conversions while also maintaining environmental safeguards to ensure that acceptable emission levels are maintained.
Under existing EPA regulations, vehicles and engine conversion systems need to be covered by a certificate of conformity to gain a regulatory exemption from potential tampering charges. The fear is that even though properly engineered conversion systems can reduce emissions, poorly designed systems can lead to more pollution.
Now however, the EPA has evaluated this requirement and believes it is appropriate to introduce new flexibilities for all clean alternative fuel converters and to expand the compliance options in certain situations. Compliance requirements would vary based on the age of the vehicle or the engine that is being converted.
Some of the key elements of the proposals include: requirements for intermediate age vehicles and engines which will involve testing and submission of data to show it meets applicable standards; while the notification and demonstration requirements will remain very similar to current certification requirements. It is also seeking comment on three possible demonstration options for vehicles and engines deemed to have exceeded their regulatory useful life.
With regards to those vehicles, manufacturers would submit a detailed description to show how the conversion technology is technically sound; they would conduct testing as in the intermediate age programme to show it can meet standards applicable in useful life; and they are required to submit a technical description to show the OBD system continues to function properly.
The EPA is now looking for public comments on its proposals – this appeal remains open until July 23, 2010.
