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The transportation sector has the highest energy demand worldwide and bears the primary responsibility for CO2 emissions. Electromobility has emerged as the most feasible way to alleviate this problem. However, its potential depends heavily on the development of renewable energies. Island regions raise additional barriers to electromobility due to their heavy dependence on fossil fuels. This article addresses this challenge by presenting a comprehensive well-to-wheel framework to assess the levels of efficiency and CO2 emissions of electromobility options such as battery and plug-in electric vehicles (BEVs and PHEVs). The results were compared with those for internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). The framework proposed takes account of various factors including the extraction, refining, and transport of oil, different segments of land vehicles, and electricity system operations. The framework is demonstrated with a case study of the Spanish Canary archipelago. The results show that BEVs improve efficiency and CO2 emissions by around 30% compared to ICEVs on islands where the share of renewable energies is higher than 21%. In contrast, limited renewable generation may lead to BEVs polluting up to 15% more than ICEVs. PHEVs should be considered as a suitable alternative if the share of renewable generation is higher than 35%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are a promising technology for reducing the tailpipe emissions of CO2 as well as air pollutants, especially in urban environments. However, several studies raise questions over their after-treatment exhaust efficiency when their internal combustion engine (ICE) ignites. The rationale is the high ICE load during the cold start in combination with the cold conditions of the after-treatment devices. In this study, we measured the solid particle number (SPN) emissions of two Euro 6d and one Euro 6d-TEMP gasoline direct injection (GDI) PHEVs (electric range 52–61 km) all equipped with a gasoline particulate filter, in the laboratory and on-road with different states of charge of the rechargeable electric energy storage system (REESS) and ambient temperatures. All vehicles met the regulation limits but it was observed that, even for fully charged REESS, when the ICE ignited SPN emissions were similar or even higher in some cases compared to the operation of these vehicles solely with their ICE (discharged REESS) and also when compared to conventional GDI vehicles. On-road SPN emission rate spikes during the first 30 s after a cold start were, on average, 2 to 15 times higher with charged compared to discharged REESS due to higher SPN concentrations and exhaust flow rates. For one vehicle in the laboratory under identical driving conditions, the ICE ignition at high load resulted in 10-times-higher SPN emission rate spikes at cold-start compared to hot-start. At −10 °C, for all tested vehicles, the ICE ignited at the beginning of the cycle even when the REESS was fully charged, and SPN emissions increased from 30% to 80% compared to the cycle at 23 °C in which the ICE ignited. The concentration of particles below 23 nm, which is the currently regulated lower particle size, was low (≤18%), showing that particles larger than 23 nm were mainly emitted irrespective of cold or hot engine operation and ambient temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores environmental hypocrisy, wherein individuals or groups profess pro-environmental beliefs but engage in incongruent behaviors. This study investigates whether the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles (EHVs) in the United States reflects genuine concern for the environment or a form of environmental hypocrisy. It makes use of panel U.S. state-level data to examine how pro-environmental attitudes influence the adoption of hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs), and plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs). The study provides evidence of environmental hypocrisy, which is supported by the fact that U.S. states with a higher proportion of survey respondents expressing pro-environmental attitudes exhibit a reduced preference for HEVs. In addition, the adoption of PHEVs and PEVs does not correlate significantly with pro-environmental sentiments; rather, economic considerations emerge as the primary influencing factor. The policy recommendations offered depend on the specific focus of policymakers. For those aiming to boost EHV adoption through any means, the study suggests short-term measures aligning with individual preferences of EHV buyers. However, for those who seek to tackle environmental hypocrisy, it is essential to go beyond individual actions and consider collective and systemic changes that foster a genuine commitment to environmental responsibility over the long term. • Electric and hybrid vehicle adoptions can help reduce environmental emissions. • Study evaluates environmental hypocrisy in electric and hybrid vehicle adoption. • Pro-environmental attitudes correlate negatively with hybrid vehicle adoptions. • Economic, not environmental concerns, drive plug-in vehicle adoptions. • Short-term and long-term policies are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A revolution is underway in transportation, with a variety of electric vehicles rapidly coming to the fore. The switch from internal combustion engines to electric motors will change the world in many ways and is expected to help reduce the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Inspired by this vision, leaders in China, France, and Britain have all proclaimed that they will effectively ban cars that aren’t electric by about 2040, while Volvo says all of its vehicles will be powered by electric motors in a few years. Other automakers have also announced that they are headed that way. But how far along is this revolution really? What challenges still need to be overcome to gain truly widespread acceptance on a scale that can combat climate change? Will the costs and the benefits of these new vehicles be equally spread among countries and companies? And while we all benefit in the long term, who will be the winners and the losers in our short-term world where Wall Street thinking predominates? [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study proposes the use and management of hybrid storage systems to power hybrid electric vehicles with the aim of reducing the negative effects of high current values on battery cycling life. Findings derive from a case study on a commercial plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with battery pack operations supported by a Lithium-ion Capacitor module. Specific experimental laboratory activities focused on the parametrization and validation of an equivalent circuit model representing the behavior of Lithium-ion capacitors for integration into the overall vehicle model (designed calibrated and validated on the basis of data from on-board data acquisition and measurement systems). The simulation platform was used to test various energy management strategies for the hybrid storage system supplying the vehicle during real driving cycles characterized by different operating conditions and driving styles. Results highlight the benefits of using the considered management strategies in terms of battery durability, allowing performance comparison for different driving routes and styles. • Energy management strategies for hybrid storage system are proposed for the case study of a commercial hybrid vehicle. • Detailed vehicle and storage simulation models have been implemented in AVL CruiseM environment. • Experimental activities are carried out to perform model parametrization and validation. • The application and main advantages of the proposed strategies are evaluated for the vehicle running on RDE cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes the use and management of hybrid storage systems to power hybrid electric vehicles with the aim of reducing the negative effects of high current values on battery cycling life. Findings derive from a case study on a commercial plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with battery pack operations supported by a Lithium-ion Capacitor module. Specific experimental laboratory activities focused on the parametrization and validation of an equivalent circuit model representing the behavior of Lithium-ion capacitors for integration into the overall vehicle model (designed calibrated and validated on the basis of data from on-board data acquisition and measurement systems). The simulation platform was used to test various energy management strategies for the hybrid storage system supplying the vehicle during real driving cycles characterized by different operating conditions and driving styles. Results highlight the benefits of using the considered management strategies in terms of battery durability, allowing performance comparison for different driving routes and styles. • Energy management strategies for hybrid storage system are proposed for the case study of a commercial hybrid vehicle. • Detailed vehicle and storage simulation models have been implemented in AVL CruiseM environment. • Experimental activities are carried out to perform model parametrization and validation. • The application and main advantages of the proposed strategies are evaluated for the vehicle running on RDE cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and electric and hybrid vehicles (EHVs) are among many solutions that can help reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and their resulting GHG emissions. This study addresses the significant and understudied question of how EHVs' adoption influences CO 2 emissions using panel U.S. state-level data over the 2016-2019 period and fixed effects. The study finds no statistically significant relationship between the adoption of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and CO 2 emissions. These findings could be explained by adoption rates of HEVs and PHEVs that are too low to manifest statistically significant reductions in CO 2 emissions from the potential displacement of internal-combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). The findings also align with observations indicating that PEVs, although emission-free, are frequently adopted as supplementary rather than primary vehicles by multi-vehicle households in the U.S. The complexities surrounding EHVs and their impact on CO 2 emissions highlight the importance of further research in understanding the role these vehicles play in the larger context of sustainable transportation as well as more nuanced research into adoption patterns, potential policy interventions, and broader environmental implications. [Display omitted] • Electric and hybrid vehicles can reduce emissions and fight climate change. • The relationship between electric and hybrid vehicles and CO 2 emissions is examined. • U.S. state-level data for the 2016-2019 period are used for the analysis. • There is no evidence that electric and hybrid vehicle adoptions reduce emissions. • Various plausible explanations of the results and recommendations are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poland aims at stimulating the market to reach a target of 50,000 plug-in and battery electric vehicles by 2020. However, as in other Eastern European countries, the market penetration stays very low. In Poland, there were only 475 battery electric vehicles and 514 plug-in electric vehicles registered in 2017. To identify effective support measures, this paper examines the preferences of Polish consumers for three types of electric vehicles: battery, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. We use a discrete choice experiment to estimate the willingness to pay of a representative sample of consumers intending to buy a car in Poland. We find that electric vehicles are significantly less preferred than conventional cars, even under a public programme that would enable slow-mode charging in places where respondents usually park. We quantify the marginal willingness to pay for increasing the driving range, reductions in charging time, the availability of fast-mode charging stations, and the provision of policy incentives. The novelty of the paper lies in presenting a scenario with the slow-mode and availability of several levels of fast-mode charging stations and examination of the extent to which the heterogeneity of consumer preferences is driven by place of residence (urban, suburban, rural), intention to buy a new versus a used car, and the annual mileage. This is also the first discrete choice experiment on electric vehicles conducted in Eastern Europe. To stimulate the electric vehicle market, we recommend a pricing policy that affects the operating costs and other incentives along with an effective up-front price incentive scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each time a user of a carsharing service reserves a vehicle they choose from a selection of vehicles that vary in attributes including rental price, the distance of the vehicle from their current location, the availability of the vehicle at their desired reservation time, and the type of vehicle (e.g., gasoline, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid or Electric). In this paper we analyze the results of a discrete choice survey administered to members of a leading North American carsharing organization. We quantify how carsharing users value price, distance from them, schedule and vehicle type. We find that for an average user, traveling one mile for a vehicle or rescheduling a trip by up to one hour are each approximately equivalent to a US$2/hour increase in vehicle price. We find that carsharing acts as a conduit to introduce users to new vehicle technology: more than half users report having driven a Hybrid vehicle through carsharing, representing 400 users exposed for every one Hybrid vehicle in service. All else being equal, users most prefer Hybrid vehicles. Users who report driving longer distances prefer not to take either electric vehicles or Plug-in Hybrids, despite the fact that Plug-in Hybrids do not have significant range limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a blended rule-based energy management system (EMS) for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The proposed EMS is formulated over driving information and vehicle trip energy and not over vehicle speed profiles, as usually seen. The proposed EMS design structure and strategy is described followed by its evaluation. This is the first time a platform for a rule-based acausal EMS has been designed. Performance metrics such as the fuel economy and the number of engine stop–starts are compared with conventional rule-based EMS over real-world destinations with uncertain trip demand. Its performance metrics compared with a conventional EMS for a full parallel PHEV was found to be superior in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The electrification of road vehicles was introduced as a way to significantly reduce oil dependence, increase efficiency, and reduce pollutant emissions, especially in urban areas. The goal of this paper is to find the best alternative vehicle to replace a conventional diesel bus operating in urban environments, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint and still being financially advantageous. The multi-objective nondominated sorting genetic algorithm is used to perform the vehicle optimization, covering pure electric and fuel cell hybrid possibilities (with and without plug-in capability). The used multi-objective genetic algorithm optimizes the powertrain components (type and size) and the energy management strategy. Although multiple optimal solutions were successfully achieved, a decision method is implemented to select one unique solution. A global criterion approach, a pseudo-weight vector approach, and a new multiple criteria score approach are considered to choose a preferred optimal vehicle. Real and synthetic driving cycles are used to compare the optimized buses concerning their powertrain components, efficiency and life cycle of fuel and vehicle materials. The conflict between objectives and the importance of the decision considerations in the final solutions are discussed. Passengers load and air conditioning system influence in the solutions and its life cycle is addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How individuals respond to innovative technologies depends on how motivated they are by an array of internal and external factors and the informational and cost barriers they face. To better understand technology adoption decision making we (i) assess changes in intent to purchase plug-in vehicles in response to reductions in their price and (ii) identify motivators that incline new car buyers toward plug-ins under status quo and reduced vehicle cost scenarios. We find that individuals already inclined toward alternative vehicles have a higher interest in plug-ins under a reduced-cost scenario than individuals who favor conventional vehicles. We also find that individuals who shift their vehicle preference from conventional gasoline to plug-in vehicles are motivated by material factors and fears relating to the innovative technology, whereas those shifting preferences between less to more innovative technologies are likely to be motivated by a mix of material and nonmaterial factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is aimed to analyze design criteria, setting up, control strategies and experimental tests related to a power configuration of DC micro-grid for fast charging of full electric and plug in hybrid vehicles. The proposed DC fast charging architecture is derived by an analysis comparing the main characteristics of well known architectures, mainly based on AC and DC bus, taking also into account the integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) with stationary energy storage systems and fleets of road electric/hybrid vehicles. On the base of the proposed architecture a laboratory prototype of charging station has been realized by means of a 20 kW AC/DC bidirectional grid tie converter interconnected with two different power DC/DC converters of similar rated power. In this micro-grid architecture the AC/DC converter realizes a conversion stage at 790 V DC, whereas other two converters allow either the electric vehicle battery packs to be charged or an energy storage buffer to save electric energy and support the main grid during the fast charging operations. The laboratory tests described in this paper are mainly devoted to characterize the laboratory demonstrator, in different operative conditions, such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G), charging/discharging operations of different types of storage systems and fast charging operations of road electric vehicles. Then the study of the proposed power conversion architecture is focused on the evaluation of charging/discharging power, efficiency, energy flux management and its impact on the main grid. In addition proper control strategies are evaluated and implemented, allowing the proposed architecture to follow the required operations. The obtained experimental results demonstrate real advantages in terms of charging times and power requirements from the main grid, when adopting DC buffer architecture for fast charging operations. Finally, these results support the identification of a knowledge base, useful to evaluate energy management and control strategies to be adopted for DC charging stations and each one of their power converters in a smart grid scenario with distributed generation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the recent commercial success of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles their market share is still insufficient to produce either a significant impact on energy consumption on a global basis or a profitable automotive segment. In this context, the possibility of upgrading conventional vehicles to hybrid electric vehicles is gaining increasing interest. To this aim this paper investigated and modelled the intention to install an after-market hybridization solar-kit (HySolarKit) in order to ascertain the main behavioural determinants of the choice process and set up an operational model with which to estimate the market potential of such technology. In particular, two behavioural stages of the choice process were analysed and modelled: (i) the intention to adopt the HySolarKit; (ii) the choice to install the HySolarKit. Both issues were addressed through ad hoc stated preference surveys carried out in two different Italian cities, and through the specification and the calibration of discrete choice models based on the behavioural paradigm of random utility theory. Different modelling solutions (homoscedastic and heteroscedastic) were compared in terms of goodness-of-fit and sensitivity to level-of-service attributes. The results showed the technological potential of the HySolarKit, and that both behavioural stages may be effectively modelled through random utility theory. Estimation results allowed an interpretation of the main determinants of the investigated phenomena, making it possible to quantify the potential effects and the concerns towards such a green solution, and making it possible to draw up operative marketing strategies. In particular, the intention to adopt the kit mainly depends on socio-economic factors as well as activity-related and attitudinal attributes, whereas the probability of installing the kit is greatly affected, to the same extent, by installation cost, the charging cost and the weekly mileage driven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly ten years have passed since the comeback of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, the percentage of such vehicles on the roads is still low and there is widespread concern about the long-term success of this technology. On the other hand, vehicles fueled with hydrogen, which it is beginning to be praised by several car companies as the fuel of future, do not yet have broad market acceptance, being even lower than battery electric vehicles and facing significant barriers for a widespread diffusion. In this research work, a novel type-approval test procedure is developed aiming to stablish an impartial simulation-based comparative analysis of technical feasibility, performance, range, and greenhouse gas emissions of two hybrid powertrains that manage electricity stored in a lithium-ion battery and hydrogen in tanks: Plug-In Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicle (FC-PHEV) and Extended Range Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicle (FC-EREV). The simulation framework developed considers the barriers and how to avoid them through the implementation of a set of fuel management rules. The findings indicate that hybrid powertrains achieve greater ranges and lower greenhouse gas emissions, opening the door to introduce these vehicles onto the market without the need to wait till the main barrier, the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, is fully developed. [Display omitted] • Current situation on battery electric and fuel cell vehicles are analyzed. • The develop of hybrid powertrains with battery and hydrogen is justified. • Two powertrains for hydrogen-electricity hybrids are presented. A set of fuel management rules is designed. • A new type-approval test procedure is developed to measure consumption and emissions of hidrogen hybrids. • Extensive simulation campaign is conducted, which shows positive results about the viability of the proposed hybrid powertrains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]