Is cleaner transport only for those who can afford to buy the latest, most advanced engine technologies? How can motorists get better and cleaner performance from the engines in the vehicles they already own?
Part of the answer lies in better, ever cleaner, fuels. In January 2002, Shell launched a new semi-synthetic diesel fuel – Shell Pura – in Thailand. Shell Pura is the first diesel formulated to take advantage of the ultra-clean properties of a liquid fuel made from natural gas using the Shell Middle Distillate Synthesis (SMDS) process.
This fuel, SMDS gasoil, is one of the cleanest, purest hydrocarbon products available today. By blending locally produced diesel with SMDS gasoil and proprietary additives, it is possible to produce a fuel usable in existing vehicles. It offers both improved engine performance and significant emissions reductions. Because of its premium performance, Shell Pura sells for 1 baht (about 2.5 US cents) per litre more than conventional diesel (approximately 10% more). Sales volumes are extremely encouraging and the product is well received by customers.
SMDS gasoil is one of the ultra-clean fuels which could be used in fuel cell powered cars for times before hydrogen becomes widely available in service stations. As an interim step, cars can be fitted with fuel processors that convert diesel or gasoline into hydrogen in the car, with just water vapour and CO 2 as emissions.