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Deep Decarbonization from Electrified Autonomous Taxi Fleets: Life Cycle Assessment and Case Study in Austin, TX

CSS Publication Number
CSS19-27
Full Publication Date
Accepted June 17, 2019
Abstract

Although recent studies of autonomous taxis (ATs) have begun to explore potential environmental implications of fleet deployment, little is known about their impacts over the long term. We present a holistic life-cycle assessment framework that incorporates both direct and indirect effects of ATs at the subsystem, vehicle, and mobility-system levels. Eco-driving and intersection connectivity are the direct effects analyzed along with indirect effects that include empty kilometers, parking, charging infrastructure, powertrain rightsizing, electric vehicle adoption, ride-sharing, and fleet-turnover rates. A case study of an AT fleet in Austin, Texas from 2020 to 2050 with constant travel demand indicates the strategic deployment of an electrified AT fleet can reduce cumulative energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 60% in the base case, with a majority of this benefit resulting from electrified powertrains. Further reductions up to 87% can be achieved with accelerated electrical grid decarbonization, dynamic ride-share, longer vehicle lifetime, more energy efficient computers, and higher new-vehicle fuel-consumption rate reductions. We highlight the major opportunities for maximizing the environmental performance of AT fleets over the long term.

Co-Author(s)
Timothy J. Wallington
Research Areas
Mobility Systems
Transportation
Keywords

autonomous taxi, connected and automated vehicle (CAV), fleet turnover, GHG emissions, Life cycle assessment, shared autonomous vehicle

Publication Type
Journal Article
Digital Object Identifier
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2019.06.007
Full Citation

Gawron, James, Gregory Keoleian, Robert De Kleine, Timothy Wallington, Hyung Chul Kim. (2019) “Deep Decarbonization from Electrified Autonomous Taxi Fleets: Life Cycle Assessment and Case Study in Austin, TX.“ Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment 73: 130-141.