Abstract
Plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) technology is seen as promising technology for reducing oil use, improving local air quality, and/or possibly reducing GHG emissions to support a sustainable transportation system. This paper examines the usage of household vehicles to support assessment of the market potential of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), the higher purchase price of which requires high usage rates to pay off the investment in the technology. According to the 2009 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), about 40% of household vehicles were not used on the survey travel day [1]. This study analyzed household vehicle use and non-use by vehicle type, age, area type (metropolitan statistical area [MSA] and non-MSA), and population density. Vehicles used on survey day with or without a reported travel time and distance in the survey are considered “vehicles used”. All others are referred to as “vehicles not used”. We divided the “vehicles not used” into three categories: 1) left at home while other household vehicles were used; 2) not used because travelers used other modes; and 3) no household trips. The “vehicle used” consists of two categories: 1) those with distance and time data and 2) those with no travel data. Within these five categories, vehicles were subdivided according to four vehicle types: car, van, SUV, and pickup. Each vehicle type was further subdivided in two age groups: 10 years or less (≤10) and more than 10 years (>10). In addition, vehicle usage was compared in both MSAs and non-MSAs and during weekdays and weekends. Results indicate that most vehicles—especially pickups—are not used because the households own and use other vehicles. Moreover, SUVs—especially newer SUVs (≤10 years)—are the most utilized vehicle type and should be strongly considered as a primary vehicle type for PHEVs, in addition to cars.
Highlights
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2009 the transportation sector was responsible for 70% of petroleum consumption and 33% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States [2]
Plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) technology is seen as promising technology for reducing oil use, improving local air quality, and/or possibly reducing GHG emissions to support a sustainable transportation system
This paper examines the usage of household vehicles to support assessment of the market potential of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), the higher purchase price of which requires high usage rates to pay off the investment in the technology
Summary
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2009 the transportation sector was responsible for 70% of petroleum consumption and 33% of GHG emissions in the United States [2]. Compared to the series PHEV, the parallel operational capability primarily uses the conventional mechanical link from the engine to the wheels, eliminating the ability of the engine to support simultaneous series operation. This restriction allows the parallel PHEV to use only one electric machine (motor/generator) of less power than in the series configuration, thereby reducing cost. In many (but not all) cases, the increase in vehicle weight associated with bigger batteries partially offsets the potential reduction in petroleum use by PHEVs during engine operation Another poorly understood attribute is that the power of the battery pack and electric machines is an important factor in the ability of PHEVs to electrify miles. This paper examines the use of household vehicles to support assessment of the market potential of the many different PHEV technology options
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