Evaluation of the CO2 emission from motor vehicles in the context of sustainable transport development

Abstract

Greenhouse gases emission is an important element in the development of the automotive industry. The unceasing trend of reducing the negative impact of vehicles on the environment is a determinant of setting directions for the improvement of their production and operation. One of the solutions in this regard are low-emission vehicles. However, this area requires continuous research and analyses, the results of which are partially presented in this article. The aim of the study was to evaluate the CO2 emission from the selected types of vehicles as in traffic driving, measured based on the standardised type-approval tests. This method allows to easily reproduce the obtained results, reliably compare and also extend it with further tests in a completely independent manner. The CO2 emission in the production process of the vehicle and its fuel, was also evaluated. It was assumed (research hypothesis) that CO2 emission changes significantly with the development of production technology and the use of various vehicle power sources. Based on their own research, the authors also analysed the feasibility/reliability of the assumptions about the benefits associated with emissions, obtained by replacing the classic vehicle with the hydrogen one. They estimated the time and intensity of using a hydrogen-powered vehicle that guarantees a benefit in terms of CO2 emissions compared to a conventional vehicle.