Worldwide Fuel Charter 2013

Representing the vehicle and engine manufacturers from around the world, ACEA and the Worldwide Fuel Charter Committee is pleased to present the Fifth Edition of the Worldwide Fuel Charter.

The Charter was first established in 1998 to increase understanding of the fuel quality needs of motor vehicle and engine technologies and to promote fuel quality harmonisation worldwide in accordance with those needs. Importantly, the Charter matches fuel specifications to the vehicle and engine specifications required to meet various customer needs around the world.

The Fifth Edition introduces Category 5 for markets with highly advanced requirements for emission control and fuel efficiency. As many countries take steps to require vehicles and engines to meet strict fuel economy standards in addition to stringent emission standards, Category 5, which raises the minimum research octane number (RON) to 95, will enable some gasoline technologies that can help increase vehicle and engine efficiency. For diesel fuel, this category establishes a high quality hydrocarbon-only specification that takes advantage of the characteristics of certain advanced biofuels, including hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) and Biomass-to-Liquid (BTL), provided all other specifications are respected and the resulting blend meets defined legislated limits.

Other changes from the previous edition include a new test method for trace metals and an updated gasoline volatility table. Significant changes relate to biodiesel: the Charter now allows up to 5% biodiesel by volume in Category 4 diesel fuel, has new diesel fuel oxidation stability limits and includes an alternative oxidation stability test method with correlations to other methods. The Charter also now references the E100 and B100 Guidelines published by the World Wide Fuel Charter Committee in 2009.

As countries move toward more stringent vehicle and engine requirements, fuel quality’s role in preserving the functionality of vehicles and engines continues to grow. Sulphur-free and metal-free fuels remain critical prerequisites for ultra-clean, efficient and durable emission control systems. The most advanced vehicles and engines require the best fuel quality – as represented in Category 5 – to meet their design potential.

The Committee appreciated the many comments submitted to the consultation version of this new edition of the Charter; they have helped make it a better document. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to support harmonised fuel quality specifications for the continued benefit of society.