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Evaluating the Potential Environmental Impacts of Connected and Automated Vehicles

CSS Publication Number
CSS19-19
Full Publication Date
April 22, 2019
Abstract

Although recent studies of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) have begun to explore the potential energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission impacts from an operational perspective, little is known about how the full life cycle of the vehicle will be impacted. We report the results of a life cycle assessment (LCA) of Level 4 CAV sensing and computing subsystems integrated into internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) platforms. The results indicate that CAV subsystems could increase vehicle primary energy use and GHG emissions by 3−20% due to increases in power consumption, weight, drag, and data transmission. However, when potential operational effects of CAVs are included (e.g., eco-driving, platooning, and intersection connectivity), the net result is up to a 9% reduction in energy and GHG emissions in the base case. Overall, this study highlights opportunities where CAVs can improve net energy and environmental performance.

Research Areas
Mobility Systems
Transportation
Keywords

autonomous vehicle, greenhouse gas emissions, life cycle assessment, primary energy

Publication Type
Master's Thesis
Digital Object Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/148652
Full Citation

Gawron, Jim. (2019) “Evaluating the Potential Environmental Impacts of Connected and Automated Vehicles.” Master’s Thesis, University of Michigan: Ann Arbor: 1-53.