Title: Technical and policy options for reducing emissions from 2-stroke engine vehicles in Asia

Authors: Asif Faiz, Surhid Gautam

Addresses: World Bank, P.O. Box 798, Kathmandu, Nepal. ' World Bank, 1818 H St. N.W., Washington D.C. 20433, USA

Abstract: Two-stroke engine vehicles constitute a major share of the motor vehicle fleet in Asian countries. In South Asia, these vehicles account for about 60% of the motor vehicle fleet and contribute significantly to air pollution, resulting in adverse health effects, particularly for urban dwellers. They are a major contributor to particulate matter (PM) and hydrocarbon emissions, besides visible smoke. PM emissions from a typical 2-stroke engine used in South Asia are an order of magnitude higher compared to a 4-stroke engine of equivalent size. Poor vehicle maintenance, misuse of lubricants, and adulteration of gasoline exacerbate emissions from these vehicles. Emissions from existing 2-stroke gasoline engines can be reduced by using the correct type and quantity of lubricant, improving vehicle maintenance, and improving the quality of gasoline. For new vehicles, emissions can be reduced by redesigning 2-stroke engines to decrease scavenging losses, and installing catalytic converters to reduce tailpipe emissions. Some of these measures can be achieved through regulation, while others require mass education of drivers, vehicle owners, regulators, and the public at large. Other technical options include replacing the 2-stroke engine by 4-stroke gasoline engine and switching to cleaner alternative fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and electricity. This paper discusses various technical and supporting policy options for reducing emissions from 2-stroke engines.

Keywords: two-stroke engines; motorisation trends; vehicle emissions; East Asia; South Asia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2004.003891

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2004 Vol.34 No.1, pp.1 - 11

Published online: 10 May 2004 *

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