Abstract
Reducing fuel consumption and global emissions in the automotive sector has been a main focus of vehicle technology development for long time. The most effective goal to achieve the overall sustainability objectives is to reduce the need for non-renewable and fossil resources. Five vehicles, two conventional ICE, two hybrid-electric, and one pure electric powertrain, are considered. Non-renewable primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions are calculated for each powertrain considered. All data—including calculated values—are based on the experimental measure of fuel consumption taken in real driving conditions. The data were recorded in an experimental campaign in Rome, Italy on urban, extra-urban streets, and highway on a total of 5400 km and 197 h of road acquisitions. The analysis shows significant reductions in non-renewable fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of hybrid-electric powertrains compared to conventional ones (petrol and diesel engines). Furthermore, a supplementary and very interesting comparison analysis was made between the values of energy consumptions measured during the tests in real driving conditions and the values deriving from the NEDC and WLTP homologation cycles.
Highlights
Road traffic, representing the main form of transport, is a major source of pollution in Europe: According to the latest data, it produces about 71% of total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)—out of which two thirds are generated by cars [2]
Solutions to reduce fuel consumption and emissions include both fuel and traction systems: The use of cleaner traditional fuels has been a reality in the European refinery and distribution system for several years with biofuels mixed to fossil fuels, proportionally reducing climate emissions of conventional vehicles [3]
Comparison between Tests Result and Homologation Energy Consumption. This paragraph will compare the WWT energy consumption found in the tests in real conditions of use with those declared by the car manufacturers on the basis of the NEDC and worldwide harmonized light vehicles test procedures (WLTP) homologation cycles
Summary
The EU commitment to greenhouse gas emissions reduction accounts for 80–95% by 2050 compared to 1990, with a mid-term target of 40% at 2030, and a reduction in the non-emission trading sectors (including transport) of 30% in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. The consumption of non-renewable primary energy and GHG emissions are calculated and compared considering experimental real time driving data of the following cars:. MMaapp ooff RRoommee ((hhiigghhlliigghhtteedd iinn ggrreeeenn:: LLEEZZ——llooww eemmiissssiioonn zzoonnee;; bblluuee lliinnee:: TTeesstt ddrriivvee ppaatthh)). The two cars equipped with conventional powertrain, compared with the two hybrids, had in urban traffic-intensive sections a non-renewable primary energy consumption 2.5 times larger. The conventional cars, compared with the two hybrids, showed a non-renewable primary energy consumption 1.8 times higher in low traffic density and extra-urban sections, and 1.2 times higher on the highway section. Hybrid vehicles have high efficiency in urban high traffic density sections and the difference in unit costs compared to BEV is limited (about 2 times)
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