Work

Modeling carbon intensity of electric vehicles in the well-to-wheels phase under different traffic flow conditions

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Summary With the proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs), accurately assessing their well-to-wheels carbon intensity is crucial. In this study, a quadratic model was developed, integrating a top-down carbon accounting approach with field test data, to quantify the carbon intensity of electric vehicles under various traffic flow conditions. The model employs the traffic saturation metric, specifically the v/C ratio, to characterize the traffic conditions. The findings revealed that electric vehicles exhibit lower carbon intensity in congested or unsteady traffic compared to free-flow or steady-flow conditions. Specifically, minimum emissions are achieved at a v/C ratio of 0.96. In contrast to internal combustion engine vehicles, the carbon intensity of electric vehicles is less impacted by traffic congestion, particularly at v/C values exceeding 0.75. Maintaining the v/C values between 0.15 and 0.75 can promote low-carbon operation in mixed traffic conditions. These insights are crucial for reducing carbon emissions in mixed traffic comprising diverse powertrains.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.111070

Authors: Yaping Dong, Xin Guo, Meng Wang, Jinliang Xu

Institutions: Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chang'an University

Language: English

Topic: Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,150