Abstract
Diesel is the most used fuel for buses and other urban transport vehicles in European countries. This paper deals with impacts on emissions production from the operation of the urban public transport fleet after its renewal. To what extent can the renewal of the urban public transport fleet in the city of Žilina contribute to increasing environmental sustainability in the way of reducing air pollution? The vehicle fleet change has partially consisted of vehicle traction system transition-diesel buses were substituted by hybrid driven (HEV) and electric driven buses (BEV). How can the direct and indirect emissions from the operation of vehicles be calculated? These were the posed research questions. The research aimed to propose a methodology for the calculation of direct and indirect emissions. Indirect emissions values (WtT—Well-to-Tank) for different types of fuels and tractions were obtained based on regression functions. These WtT emission factors together with the existing TtW (Tank-to-Wheels) emission factors (direct emissions) can be used for the assessment of environmental impacts of specific types of vehicles concerning energy source, fuel, or powertrain and type of operation. Direct pollutants such as CO, NOx and PM were calculated with the use of simulation methodology of HBEFA (Handbook of Emission Factors for Road Transport) software. The calculated CO2 savings for the period 2019–2023 about fleet renewal in absolute terms are EUR 1.3 million tons compared to the operation of the original fleet while maintaining the same driving performance. The renewal of the vehicle fleet secured by vehicle traction transition can be a way to reduce the energy intensity and environmental impacts of public transport in Žilina.
Highlights
Introduction and Literature ReviewThe Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth sets out five headline targets, which determine the position where Europe should be in 2020
On the basis of the research outcomes presented in this paper, we recommend that the EU should continue to support the renewal of the urban public transport vehicle fleet in smaller cities
This support can significantly help reduce the negative impacts of urban public transport on the environment
Summary
The Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth sets out five headline targets, which determine the position where Europe should be in 2020. One of these targets is related to climate and energy. Member States have committed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020, to increase the share of renewable energy sources in the EU energy mix to 20% and to achieve the 20%. The EU is currently on the right track to achieve two of the above targets, but it will not be able to meet the energy efficiency target without further action [1]. Up to Energies 2020, 13, 3869; doi:10.3390/en13153869 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies
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