Emission Quantification for Sustainable Heavy-Duty Transportation

Vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines (ICE) are major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Alternatives such as electric, hydrogen fuel cell and biofuel-based propulsions are being considered as a replacement for the well-established ICE vehicles to reduce GHG emissions and provide sustainable transportation. This paper will compare various heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) propulsion combinations using a well-to-wheel (WTW) analysis, separated into two parts: Well-to-Tank (WTT) and Tank-to-Wheel (TTW). The WTW analysis of ICE HDV is based on a Euro VI heavy-duty test engine coupled to an engine dynamometer. The energy consumption and GHG emissions are measured, not estimated, providing a closer to real-life comparison. The paper will provide a detailed comparison of alternative propulsions to the internal combustion engine based on WTW analysis. Final results suggest, even with the EU's fairly fossil energy carrier-dependent energy mix, the usage of electric propulsion systems can reach up to 56% of GHG emission cut compared to conventional ICE.