National Renewable Energy Laboratory

ReFUEL Laboratory

About the Laboratory

The ReFUEL Lab is a world-class research and testing facility dedicated to future fuels and advanced heavy-duty vehicle research, located in Denver, Colorado. The lab features a chassis dynamometer for vehicle performance and emissions research, an engine dynamometer test cell capable of certification-quality emission testing, and a fuel chemistry laboratory for performing precise studies of fuel properties, including ignition quality.

The emission measurement systems for vehicle and engine testing meet or exceed the requirements of the 2007 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This is a significant step above current requirements, allowing for accurate testing of very clean modern and future engines and vehicles, with or without aftertreatment.

The ReFUEL Laboratory is the first independent laboratory in the United States with a heavy-duty chassis dynamometer that is capable of meeting the 2007 CFR emission measurement standards. The lab is equipped with the extensive capabilities and resources to provide high-quality data and research leadership in a variety of advanced and future technologies, including advanced fuels, heavy hybrids, and clean diesel. The ReFUEL Lab is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Vehicle Technologies Program.