The e³ group has been active in the field of biofuels research from more than fifteen years.

In particular the use of reformulated gasolines containing ethanol and ETBE was extensively investigated in the early 90’s, while the more recent activities focussed on biodiesel for automotive applications. The aim is to evaluate the effects of using blends of ultra low sulphur diesel and different Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME), Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils (HVO) in a Euro5 small displacement passenger car diesel engine, equipped with a closed loop combustion control, on both full load performance and part load emissions.

These studies were a part of PRIN projects, and were carried out in cooperation with Universities of Perugia and Roma Tor Vergata and with General Motors.