Cost-effectiveness of alternative powertrains for reduced energy use and CO_2 emissions in passenger vehicles

摘要

This work analysed the cost-effectiveness of avoiding carbon dioxide (CO_2) emissions using advanced internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, fuel cell vehicles and electric vehicles across the nine UK passenger vehicles segments. Across all vehicle types and powertrain groups, minimum installed motive power was dependent most on the time to accelerate from zero to 96.6 km/h (60 mph). Hybridising the powertrain reduced the difference in energy use between vehicles with slow (t_(z-60) ＞ 8 s) and fast acceleration (t_(z-60) ＜ 8 s) times. The cost premium associated with advanced powertrains was dependent most on the powertrain chosen, rather than the performance required. Improving non-powertrain com ponents reduced vehicle road load and allowed total motive capacity to decrease by 17%, energy use by 11%, manufacturing cost premiums by 13% and CO_2 emissions abatement costs by 15%. All vehicles with advanced internal combustion engines, most hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains reduced net CO_2 emissions and had lower lifetime operating costs than the respective segment reference vehicle. Most powertrains using fuel cells and all electric vehicles had positive CO_2 emissions abatement costs. How ever, only vehicles using advanced internal combustion engines and parallel hybrid vehicles may be attractive to consumers by the fuel savings offsetting increases in vehicle cost within two years. This work demonstrates that fuel savings are possible relative to today's fleet, but indicates that the most cost-effective way of reducing fuel consumption and CO_2 emissions is by advanced combustion technol ogies and hybridisation with a parallel topology.