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Sustainable Mobility: Using a Global Energy Model to Inform Vehicle Technology Choices in a Decarbonized Economy

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Grahn

    (Department of Energy and Environment, Physical Resource Theory, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg 41296, Sweden)

  • Erica Klampfl

    (Systems Analytics and Environmental Sciences Department, Ford Motor Company, Mail Drop RIC-2122, Dearborn, MI 48121, USA)

  • Margaret Whalen

    (Systems Analytics and Environmental Sciences Department, Ford Motor Company, Mail Drop RIC-2122, Dearborn, MI 48121, USA)

  • Timothy Wallington

    (Systems Analytics and Environmental Sciences Department, Ford Motor Company, Mail Drop RIC-2122, Dearborn, MI 48121, USA)

Abstract

The reduction of CO 2 emissions associated with vehicle use is an important element of a global transition to sustainable mobility and is a major long-term challenge for society. Vehicle and fuel technologies are part of a global energy system, and assessing the impact of the availability of clean energy technologies and advanced vehicle technologies on sustainable mobility is a complex task. The global energy transition (GET) model accounts for interactions between the different energy sectors, and we illustrate its use to inform vehicle technology choices in a decarbonizing economy. The aim of this study is to assess how uncertainties in future vehicle technology cost, as well as how developments in other energy sectors, affect cost-effective fuel and vehicle technology choices. Given the uncertainties in future costs and efficiencies for light-duty vehicle and fuel technologies, there is no clear fuel/vehicle technology winner that can be discerned at the present time. We conclude that a portfolio approach with research and development of multiple fuel and vehicle technology pathways is the best way forward to achieve the desired result of affordable and sustainable personal mobility. The practical ramifications of this analysis are illustrated in the portfolio approach to providing sustainable mobility adopted by the Ford Motor Company.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Grahn & Erica Klampfl & Margaret Whalen & Timothy Wallington, 2013. "Sustainable Mobility: Using a Global Energy Model to Inform Vehicle Technology Choices in a Decarbonized Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 5(5), pages 1-18, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:5:y:2013:i:5:p:1845-1862:d:25379
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Azar, Christian & Lindgren, Kristian & Andersson, Bjorn A., 2003. "Global energy scenarios meeting stringent CO2 constraints--cost-effective fuel choices in the transportation sector," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 31(10), pages 961-976, August.
    2. Kyle, Page & Kim, Son H., 2011. "Long-term implications of alternative light-duty vehicle technologies for global greenhouse gas emissions and primary energy demands," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(5), pages 3012-3024, May.
    3. Takeshita, Takayuki & Yamaji, Kenji, 2008. "Important roles of Fischer-Tropsch synfuels in the global energy future," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(8), pages 2791-2802, August.
    4. Bastien Girod & Detlef Vuuren & Maria Grahn & Alban Kitous & Son Kim & Page Kyle, 2013. "Climate impact of transportation A model comparison," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 118(3), pages 595-608, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Xingping Zhang & Rao Rao & Jian Xie & Yanni Liang, 2014. "The Current Dilemma and Future Path of China’s Electric Vehicles," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-27, March.

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