Executive Summary : | The increasing production and use of passenger cars globally result in higher emissions of harmful substances like UBHC, CO, NOx, and smoke from conventional fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Stringent emission regulations have been implemented in the automotive industry to meet standards through advanced engine designs and expensive after-treatment systems. However, the combustion of fossil fuels in cars remains a significant source of CO2 emissions, contributing to global warming. It is crucial to develop environmentally friendly passenger vehicles to address this issue. One promising solution is the use of renewable, low-carbon biofuels (RLCB Fuel) as an alternative to fossil fuels. RLCB Fuel helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels, mitigating resource depletion and reliance on unstable suppliers. Implementing RLCB Fuel improves the economy, reduces net CO2 emissions, and combats global warming. Clean, low-temperature combustion is another proven concept that enhances engine efficiency, minimizing heat loss and emissions of NOx and smoke. A highly flexible hybrid electric powertrain is desirable to further reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, allowing efficient operation in various driving conditions and optimizing energy utilization through different recovery systems. By combining an RLCB-based low-temperature combustion engine with a suitable hybrid electric powertrain, significant reductions in CO2 emissions, improved fuel economy, and ecological stability can be achieved. This research focuses on utilizing RLCB Fuel-based low-temperature combustion engines in hybrid electric passenger cars, exploring different combustion strategies and fuels to identify the most suitable combination for the hybrid powertrain. The development of a suitable hybrid powertrain involves considerations such as topology, battery capacity, motor generator, regenerative braking, energy management, and start-stop systems. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate a functional passenger hybrid vehicle equipped with the RLCB low-temperature combustion engine, delivering optimal performance with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. |