Systems Assessments

To reduce U.S. reliance on imported oil, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and help solve urban air pollution problems, government and industry strive to develop advanced vehicle technologies and new transportation fuels. It is important to assess the energy and emission benefits of these technologies and fuels on a systematic basis.

Argonne researchers have conducted life-cycle analyses of advanced vehicle technologies and new transportation fuels for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and other organizations. The analyses have been carried out on the basis of fuel cycles (or well-to-wheels cycles), vehicle cycles, and/or total energy cycles (including both fuel and vehicle cycles) to provide holistic comparisons among vehicle technologies and fuels. In particular, researchers have analyzed energy and emission effects of battery-powered electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, alternative-fuel vehicles, and fuel-cell vehicles powered with hydrogen produced from different sources.

Staff members have also conducted analyses on the capital and resource requirements of transitioning the U.S. transportation sector from an energy supply dominated by petroleum fuels to one that depends more heavily on alternative energy sources. They have analyzed market penetration of new vehicle technologies and new transportation fuels, geographic expansion of the technology and fuel adoptions, and capital and resource requirements of such penetration and expansion.

Research in systems assessment and technology analysis has resulted in the development of comprehensive analytical techniques and tools to help address the energy and emissions effects of vehicle/fuel technologies. These models have been used by DOE, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the auto and energy industry, universities, research institutions, non-government organizations, and consulting companies in North America, Europe, and Asia.

September 20, 2004