Automotive Science and Engineering

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This study uses real driving cycles of a city bus and a standard driving cycle “WLTP” to implement a full comparison for energy demand and fuel consumption for different propulsion systems (i.e., Diesel ICE, Fuel cell and Electric engines). To better understand the comparison, a life cycle assessment is conducted using “GREET” and “GHGenius” software, which represents a clear demonstration of side effects and emissions of each engine on the environment. The results show that for “WLTP” cycle the bus needs 2423kJ energy for traveling each kilometer while the averaged amount of energy for traveling one kilometer of real driving cycle reaches to 1708kJ. By computing total energy use of  an electric bus we conclude, electric buses use almost 58% of electric energy for driving and the rest is lost. Then fuel cell and internal combustion engine buses have energy efficiency of 36% and 24% respectively. Concerning LCA analysis, it becomes apparent that unlike efficiency, electric buses are not environmentally benign as fuel cell buses. LCA analysis showed that fuel cell buses that use steam reforming hydrogen production process are a cleaner option than electric buses. Finally, since diesel buses produce the most emission, especially CO2, and consume the most energy in the total life cycle, they have no advantage for public transportation fleet.

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The transition from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles is in progress. With their high energy density, low self-discharge rates, long cycle life, and absence of memory effects, lithium-ion batteries have become the primary power source for alternative vehicles. Throughout the battery's lifespan, its performance or health gradually deteriorates due to irreversible physical and chemical changes. Depending on the specific aging mechanisms, a battery may lose capacity or face increased internal resistance. Growing awareness of the importance of environmental protection and the potential implications associated with products and services has spurred interest in developing methods to better understand and address these impacts. Life cycle assessment is a method used to examine the environmental effects associated with all stages of product production. This study compares the operational conditions of an electric vehicle equipped with both new and old battery packs. The performance difference indicates that the vehicle with the aged battery has 17% less capacity, operates over 20% weaker in range, and its ohmic resistance increases by up to 150%. From a well-to-wheel perspective, using an electric vehicle with an old battery could result in a 2% increase in carbon dioxide emissions, reaching 56.638 g CO₂ equivalent per kilometer.