Localised Evaporative Emission Inventory of Gasoline Vehicle Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in China: Insights into Regional Variations and Driving Behaviours

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Automotive Engineering

Background:

• Evaporative emissions from gasoline vehicles are a significant source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in China.
• These emissions contribute to air pollution and climate change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a localized evaporative emission model for gasoline vehicles in China.
• To estimate current and future evaporative emissions and their influencing factors.
• To inform air pollution prevention and control strategies.

Main Methods:

• Developed a localized evaporative emission model incorporating fuel properties, vehicle characteristics, and usage patterns.
• Integrated data from American MOVES and European COPERT models with Chinese specific conditions.
• Created an emission inventory categorized by vehicle type, emission standard, process, and region.
• Estimated emission changes influenced by climate change and projected future trends.

Main Results:

• In 2020, China's gasoline vehicle evaporative emissions reached 517,000 tonnes, with diurnal and hot soak emissions accounting for 63%.
• Emissions are projected to rise to 602,000 tonnes by 2025 before decreasing to 408,000 tonnes by 2030.
• Significant regional and behavioral variations in emissions were observed, with high levels in Guangdong and other provinces.
• Focusing on 13 key provinces can control 66% of total national VOCs emissions.

Conclusions:

• Evaporative emissions from gasoline vehicles pose a substantial environmental challenge in China.
• Future emission control strategies must account for regional and behavioral differences.
• Targeted interventions in high-emission provinces are effective for comprehensive VOCs reduction.