Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Energies Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Performance and Emissions of Vehicles and Internal Combustion Engines

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "B3: Carbon Emission and Utilization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 April 2026 | Viewed by 7224

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Karol F. Abramek

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Automotive Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology, 70-310 Szczecin, Poland
Interests: fuel pretreatment systems; modern diesel engines; environment pollution; emission of toxic substances; power supply for engines; engine injection systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Tomasz Osipowicz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Automotive Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology, 70-310 Szczecin, Poland
Interests: combustion engines; combustion process; fuel injection systems; engines emission; fuel; biofuel; fuel pretreatment systems; hybrid vehicles; environment pollution

Prof. Dr. Paweł Droździel

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Sustainable Transport and Powertrains, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Lublin University of Technology, Nadbystrzycka Str. 36, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
Interests: tribology; sustainability; economic aspects; environmental, safety and social issues in the construction and operation of road transport vehicles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Research on the performance and emissions of vehicles and internal combustion engines should focus on key aspects related to engine efficiency and environmental impact.

In terms of performance, it is crucial to analyze parameters such as power output, torque, thermal efficiency, and fuel consumption. The influence of various factors, including fuel type, intake and exhaust systems, operating temperature, and advanced combustion strategies, should be evaluated. Comparative studies of different technologies, such as direct fuel injection, turbocharging, and hybridization, are essential for optimizing engine performance.

Another critical aspect is emissions. Research should analyze CO₂ emissions, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons (HCs), and carbon monoxide (CO). The impact of different fuels—gasoline, diesel, LPG, CNG, hydrogen, and biofuels—on emission levels must be investigated. Given increasingly stringent environmental regulations, studies should assess the effectiveness of emission reduction systems, including exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), particulate filters (DPF, GPF), three-way catalytic converters (TWCs), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR).

To enhance both performance and emission control, it is necessary to study advanced powertrain technologies such as modern fuel injection systems (common rail, gasoline direct injection - GDI), combustion strategies (HCCI, PCCI), turbocharging, and hybrid powertrains (mild-hybrid, full-hybrid, plug-in hybrid). Studies should take into consideration their real-world impact on fuel economy and emission reduction under various driving conditions.

From a methodological perspective, both experimental and computational approaches are essential. Laboratory tests on engine and chassis dynamometers allow for a precise evaluation of performance and emissions under controlled conditions, while real-world driving tests (WLTP, RDE) assess the behavior of powertrains in practical applications. Computational simulations, such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and thermodynamic modeling, are increasingly used to optimize combustion and emission processes.

Finally, research should consider the impact of regulatory frameworks on engine technology development. Stricter emission standards, such as EURO 6 and EPA Tier 3, drive the development of innovative solutions. Additionally, future studies should examine the role of internal combustion engines in the context of increasing vehicle electrification and the economic feasibility of alternative fuels, such as synthetic e-fuels.

In conclusion, research on vehicle and engine performance and emissions should encompass the analysis of efficiency-improving technologies and emission reduction strategies. A comprehensive approach combining experimental testing, computational modeling, and regulatory considerations is crucial for advancing sustainable internal combustion engine technologies.

Prof. Dr. Karol F. Abramek
Dr. Tomasz Osipowicz
Prof. Dr. Paweł Droździel
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

engine performance
fuel consumption
exhaust emissions
combustion efficiency
alternative fuels
emission control technologies
vehicle testing
regulatory standards

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (8 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

30 pages, 4746 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Blending Model n-Butanol Alcoholysis Derived Advanced Biofuel Blends with Diesel on the Regulated Emissions from a Diesel Hybrid Vehicle

by Scott Wiseman, Karl Ropkins, Hu Li and Alison S. Tomlin

Energies 2026, 19(2), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19020308 - 7 Jan 2026

Viewed by 324

Abstract

Decarbonisation of the transport sector, whilst reducing pollutant emissions, will likely involve the utilisation of multiple strategies, including hybridisation and the use of alternative fuels such as advanced biofuels as mandated by the EU. Alcoholysis of lignocellulosic feedstocks, using n-butanol as the solvent, can produce such potential advanced biofuel blends. Butyl blends, consisting of n-butyl levulinate (nBL), di-n-butyl ether, and n-butanol, were selected for this study. Three butyl blends with diesel, two at 10 vol% biofuel and one at 25 vol% biofuel, were tested in a Euro 6b-compliant diesel hybrid vehicle to determine the influence of the blends on regulated emissions and fuel economy. Real Driving Emissions (RDE) were measured for three cold start tests with each fuel using a Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS) for carbon monoxide (CO), particle number (PN), and nitrogen oxides (NO_X = NO + NO₂). When using the butyl blends, there was no noticeable change in vehicle drivability and only a small fuel economy penalty of up to 5% with the biofuel blends relative to diesel. CO, NO_X, and PN emissions were below or within one standard deviation of the Euro 6 not-to-exceed limits for all fuels tested. The CO and PN emissions reduced relative to diesel by up to 72% and 57%, respectively. NO_X emissions increased relative to diesel by up to 25% and increased with both biofuel fraction and the amount of nBL in that fraction. The CO emitted during the cold start period was reduced by up to 52% for the 10 vol% blends but increased by 25% when using the 25 vol% blend. NO_X and PN cold start emissions reduced relative to diesel for all three biofuel blends by up to 29% and 88%, respectively. It is envisaged that the butyl blends could reduce net carbon emissions without compromising or even improving air pollutant emissions, although optimisation of the after-treatment systems may be necessary to ensure emissions limits are met. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance and Emissions of Vehicles and Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1887 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Intermolecular Interactions in Sustainable Aviation Fuels on Turbine Engine Parameters

by Tomasz Białecki, Bartosz Gawron, Andrzej Kulczycki, Anna Łęgowik and Jerzy Merkisz

Energies 2025, 18(24), 6523; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18246523 - 12 Dec 2025

Viewed by 332

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of the concentration of sustainable jet fuel components on selected physicochemical properties of blends with fossil Jet A-1 fuel, as well as on parameters characterizing the combustion process in aircraft turbine engines. The analyzed physicochemical properties were density, net heat of combustion, and fractional composition (50% recoverey temperature and viscosity at −20 °C) of the fuel blends. The combustion process was examined using test rigs equipped with GTM 140 and DGEN 380 engines operated at different rotational speeds. For each engine speed, the fuel mass flow rate and the combustion chamber temperature were determined. The functions mf = Ae^(−Ea/RT) were derived, corresponding to the kinetic equations of the complete combustion reaction chain. The (Ea/R)mf values obtained using the trend line method for the GTM 140 engine were found to be linearly related to those obtained for the DGEN 380 engine. A deviation from linearity was observed for blends containing 5% of various synthetic components. These findings support a new hypothesis that the same intermolecular interactions between liquid fuel components that account for the non-additivity of physicochemical properties also contribute to the parameters of combustion kinetics in turbine engines. Tests on the turbine engine provided preliminary validation of this hypothesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance and Emissions of Vehicles and Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 3178 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of the Use of Predictive Cruise Control in Freight Transport on Energy Consumption

by Tomáš Skrúcaný, Ján Vrábel, Andrej Rakyta, Filip Kassai and Jacek Caban

Energies 2025, 18(23), 6171; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18236171 - 25 Nov 2025

Viewed by 499

Abstract

Current research on the performance and emissions of vehicles and internal combustion engines should include analysis of efficiency-enhancing technologies and emission reduction strategies across a variety of vehicle systems. To improve both performance and emission control, it is necessary to examine advanced heavy-duty driveline technologies, considering their real-world impact on fuel economy and emission reduction under various driving conditions. This article will deal with predictive cruise control (PCC) and its influence on the operating characteristics of a truck, specifically a semi-trailer combination. The measurement was carried out using dynamic driving tests of a truck on a selected road. The use of electronic systems for automatically maintaining the vehicle’s motion states (especially speed) based on the specified conditions most often has several benefits for the driver not only from the point of view of vehicle operation but also from the point of view of transport companies (cost reduction). It is generally known that the use of these electronic systems reduces the vehicle’s fuel consumption and therefore also reduces the amount of exhaust gases. Comparing the individual directions of the road tests, the difference in relative maximum power utilization between the driver and the PCC system was 26.42% in the ST-MY direction and 23.81% in the MY-ST direction. The use of PCC also results in fuel savings of up to 17.11%. This study provides new insights into the quantification of the impact of PCC on fuel consumption in real operating conditions and highlights the potential for integrating PCC into driver assistance systems and logistics planning to reduce costs and emissions in freight transport. Further research could focus on applying this system in specific road conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance and Emissions of Vehicles and Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 3246 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cold-Start Energy Consumption and CO₂ Emissions—A Comparative Assessment of Various Powertrains in the Context of Short-Distance Trips

by Artur Jaworski, Hubert Kuszewski and Krzysztof Balawender

Energies 2025, 18(23), 6114; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18236114 - 22 Nov 2025

Viewed by 811

Abstract

The issue of CO₂ emissions and energy use is particularly important during short trips, where cold starts cause higher fuel consumption and increased emissions. These conditions, common in daily commuting, make vehicle efficiency a key concern. To reduce their impact, hybrid and electric powertrains have been introduced, allowing electric-only operation that eliminates direct tailpipe emissions, although indirect emissions from electricity generation remain. Real-world data show that hybrid vehicles often consume more fuel and emit more CO₂ than type-approval results indicate, mainly due to the medium battery state of charge (SOC), which forces the combustion engine to operate even over short distances. Additionally, engine thermal state and ambient temperature strongly influence energy use and emissions. This study fills a research gap by comparing vehicles with different powertrains under controlled chassis dynamometer conditions, analyzing fuel (energy) consumption and CO₂ emissions over the same driving cycle at various temperatures. The results show how temperature and thermal conditions affect total energy use and emissions over time and distance. The highest consumption and emissions during short trips were recorded for the plug-in hybrid vehicle in charge-sustaining mode at −6 ± 1 °C, while the electric vehicle showed the most favorable performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance and Emissions of Vehicles and Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2181 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on the Influence of Acoustic Waves on the Particle Emissions from an IC Engine Fueled with Diesel and Isopropanol-Biodiesel Blends

by Sai Manoj Rayapureddy, Jonas Matijošius, Alfredas Rimkus and Aleksandras Chlebnikovas

Energies 2025, 18(22), 5961; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18225961 - 13 Nov 2025

Viewed by 459

Abstract

Road transport in the European Union is responsible for approximately 60% of PM10 emissions and 45% of PM2.5 emissions. Acoustic agglomeration is researched to be the most effective after-treatment method to control particle pollution. Recent experimental research suggests that at a frequency of around 20 kHz and a sound pressure level of 140 dB, particles can be agglomerated. The kinetic energy of the particles is influenced by the presence of acoustics, and this enhances the collision efficiency between the particles. These collided fine particles increase in size and can be easily filtered through conventional filters. Additionally, clean burning biofuels produce comparatively fewer particles; hence RME is used for experiments along with its two blends of isopropanol (RME95I5 and RME90I10). The results are then compared to those of standard diesel fuel. With an increase in load, an average reduction of 20% in fine particles is observed along with an increase in large-sized particles. The aggregation of smaller particles is observed in a range of 0–50% in almost all tested conditions. With the increase in isopropanol from 5 to 10%, oxygen content in the fuel increased by 7%, a 1% reduction in carbon and a 2% reduction in C/H ratio is observed which led to a 6 and 9% reduction in particle emissions at 60 Nm and 90 Nm, respectively. At higher loads, D100, RME95I5 and RME90I10 recorded an agglomeration of 10%, 111% and 189%, respectively. Similar results are observed for the tendency for agglomeration at lower loads. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance and Emissions of Vehicles and Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 6190 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Deterioration of Exhaust Emissions in Ageing Gasoline Vehicles Assessed by RDE Testing

by Jacek Pielecha and Piotr Pryciński

Energies 2025, 18(21), 5822; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18215822 - 4 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 630

Abstract

The paper assesses the change in air pollutant emissions from a petrol passenger vehicle with changing mileage. The search for solutions enabling the assessment of the change in air pollutant emissions, considering the phenomenon of vehicle ageing, justifies the need to verify the actual air pollutant emissions from used vehicles. The fleet of vehicles used in Poland has an operational age exceeding 12 years, and the number of vehicles imported from Western Europe each year reaches almost 1 million. The research method used in the paper included conducting road tests, known as real driving emissions (RDE) tests of air pollutant emissions for a single vehicle, at different times and with various mileages. The petrol vehicle was operated by one driver whose driving style and routes were comparable and constant throughout the year. The RDE results were compared with data specifying the vehicle’s operating age and mileage to verify the research hypothesis, assuming increased emissions with increasing vehicle mileage. The emissions of basic air pollutants were determined as part of the research conducted using specialist equipment. The research results were obtained for one vehicle, and the experiment was carried out over several years. The results show differences in the emissions of selected chemical compounds depending on the petrol vehicle’s mileage and operating age while ensuring comparable driving technique and operation of one vehicle over a longer time period of 8 years. The vehicle’s age and mileage influence air pollutant emissions. The obtained results show a change in the emission of selected chemical compounds depending on the mileage, thereby confirming the validity of the adopted hypothesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance and Emissions of Vehicles and Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3030 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Energy and Environmental Impacts of Replacing Gasoline with LPG Under Real Driving Conditions

by Edward Kozłowski, Alfredas Rimkus, Magdalena Zimakowska-Laskowska, Jonas Matijošius, Piotr Wiśniowski, Mateusz Traczyński, Piotr Laskowski and Radovan Madlenak

Energies 2025, 18(20), 5522; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18205522 - 20 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2681

Abstract

This study investigates the energy and environmental implications of replacing E10 gasoline with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in a Euro 4 passenger car under real-world urban driving conditions. A comparative methodology robust to operating-state distribution was applied, combining portable exhaust gas analysis with on-board diagnostic data to calculate energy-specific emissions per crankshaft revolution and to reconstruct emission surfaces in the load–RPM domain using bilinear interpolation. The study revealed that LPG reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 8.35%, demonstrating a clear climate and energy benefit due to its lower carbon intensity. In comparison, carbon monoxide (+9.5%) and hydrocarbons (+8.3%) increased under low-load and idle conditions. Nitrogen oxides showed only minor differences between the fuels (+1.3%). LPG exhibited a more stable CO₂ emission profile, reflecting improved combustion efficiency from an energy perspective, although its performance in terms of incomplete combustion products requires further optimisation. The methodology highlights how linking energy efficiency with pollutant formation provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating alternative fuels in Real Driving Emissions (RDE) tests. The results confirm LPG’s potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in transport systems and identify calibration strategies needed to mitigate trade-offs in local pollutant emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance and Emissions of Vehicles and Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

30 pages, 2529 KB

Open AccessReview

An Overview of Development and Challenges in the Use of Hydrogen as a Fuel for a Dual-Fuel Diesel Engine

by Arkadiusz Jamrozik

Energies 2025, 18(21), 5793; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18215793 - 3 Nov 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 828

Abstract

The gradual exhaustion of fossil fuel reserves, along with the adverse effects of their consumption on global climate, drives the need for research into alternative energy sources that can meet the growing demand in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. Among these, hydrogen stands out as one of the most promising options for the automotive sector, being the cleanest available fuel and capable of being produced from renewable resources. This paper reviews the existing literature on compression ignition engines operating in a dual-fuel configuration, where diesel serves as the ignition source and hydrogen is used to enhance the combustion process. The reviewed studies focus on engine systems with hydrogen injection into the intake manifold. The investigations analyzed the influence of hydrogen energy fraction on combustion characteristics, engine performance, combustion stability, and exhaust emissions in diesel/hydrogen dual-fuel engines operating under full or near-full-load conditions. The paper identifies the main challenges hindering the widespread and commercial application of hydrogen in diesel/hydrogen dual-fuel engines and discusses potential methods to overcome the existing barriers in this area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance and Emissions of Vehicles and Internal Combustion Engines)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Performance and Emissions of Vehicles and Internal Combustion Engines

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI