Results of technical–economical–environmental Analysis:

In present situation this case study provides a general approach for assessing the combined technical–economical–environmental benefits of transportation options.

This analysis showed that the hybrid and electric cars have advantages over the others. The economics and environmental impact associated with use of an electric car depends significantly on the source of the electricity:

• a.  If electricity is generated from renewable energy sources, the electric car is advantageous to the hybrid vehicle.

b.  If the electricity is generated from fossil fuels, the electric car remains competitive only if the electricity is generated onboard.

c.  If the electricity is generated with an efficiency of 50–60% by a gas turbine engine connected to a high-capacity battery and electric motor, the electric car is superior in many respects.

d.  For electricity-generation scenarios 2 and 3, using ammonia as a means to store hydrogen onboard a vehicle is the best option among those analyzed (as shown in figure 2).

• 
• Figure2: Normalized economic and environmental indicators for six vehicle types

 

The electric car with capability for onboard electricity generation represents a beneficial option and is worthy of further investigation, as part of efforts to develop energy efficient and ecologically benign vehicles.

The main limitations of this study were as follows:

• (i)  the use of data which may be of limited accuracy in some instances;

(ii)  the subjectiveness of the indicators chosen; and

(iii) the simplicity of the procedure used for developing the general indicator without using unique weighting coefficients.

Despite these limitations, the study reflects relatively accurately and realistically the present situation and provides a general approach for assessing the combined technical–economical–environmental benefits of transportation options.

 

References:

[1] Gianfranco, Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: POWER SOURCES, MODELS, SUSTAINABILITY, INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE MARKET , Pistoia Consultant, Rome, Italy, 2010