Fuel Formulation for Future Drive Train Developments

Nowadays fuel quality standards provide clear instructions for both automotive industry and petroleum industry to produce vehicles and fuels for transportation. In midterm time horizon it will be changed. Fuel mix in the world but mainly in Europe will be much more inhomogeneous as it is know. Fuel development will focus more heterogeneously, different regions will have different energy pathways. Fuel producers have to be prepared for these times: it should be fuel development methodologies, that allow develop new fuel grades based on new recipes, components and additives for new uncommon engine and drive train solutions. In the process of continues fuel development more and more focus has to be done on the different market segments. This is a key factor of success in the fierce market competition of retailers in Europe. Segmentation could be based on utilization conditions, size or also fuel availability and prescriptions. Engines could be utilized at near optimal parameters if the fuel is specified for the conditions. MOL Group’s recent goal was to set up new development methods that allow developing customer oriented fuels for special utilization segments. In our paper we give an overview about the heavy duty fleet testing as an important element to meet the customer expectations. A dual driven—technology push and market pull -development is presented. Carefully organized development process together with internal (refinery, supply chain, logistics, wholesale, retail) and external partners was carried out recently in MOL Group. Based on the already utilized application testing methodology and analytical background we developed a new method for fuel development for special market segments. In the paper we will present our results and work in the example of heavy duty market segment. We present the development goal establishment based on customer value creation, method to find and built up the new test environment and the born of the new product from the idea to the market introduction. We share our experiences in the example of an already fulfilled product development process. Method is developed and already tested on the current European market needs. It has to be proved with great differences, special engine/drive train and energy supply needs, e.g. fuel cell, pure butanol fuel etc.The presented dual driven development method and the example presented in this paper are uniquely summarizes the European fuel trends, market needs and give a successful answer to the challenges. Petroleum industry can remain the primer energy supplier of the mobility if it is able to diversify the fuel portfolio based on the customer’s and vehicle producers’ needs. The presented method and product are good examples how to create synergy between automotive developments and petroleum industry opportunities.