Effect of vehicular technology on energy consumption and emissions

Abstract

Sustainable development requires inter al the reduction of energy consumption and of traffic-induced pollutant emissions. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are one of the most promising approaches to decrease emissions. This paper considers the influence of hybridization of transport on energy consumption and emissions on single lanes of road traffic. We have developed a micro-simulation tool which integrates instantaneous consumption and emission models. We have modelled microscopic behaviour of vehicles using a full velocity difference model for longitudinal moving. Then, we have used two macroscopic energy consumption models (COPERT and HBEFA) and an instantaneous energy-consumption model concerning the conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle to illustrate the relevance of microscopic modelling of energy consumption. Furthermore, we have compared the energy consumption of the HEV Toyota Prius with that of the conventional ICE vehicle. An emission model emissions from traffic (EMIT) was also implemented and extended in order to estimate HEV emissions. The model is used to quantify CO2 and CO emissions for the HEV Toyota Prius and the conventional ICE vehicle. Moreover, we have studied the influence of fleet hybridization level on energy consumption for congested and uncongested traffic flow state. HEVs can offer major environmental improvements as well as substantial reductions of energy consumption and road traffic emissions. Hybridization is a relevant solution to reduce energy consumption and emissions.