Real World Operation of a Complex Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle: Analysis of Its CO₂ Emissions and Operating Costs

Author： Millo Federico Rolando Luciano Fuso Rocco

Publisher： MDPI

E-ISSN： 1996-1073|7|7|4554-4570

ISSN： 1996-1073

Source： Energies, Vol.7, Iss.7, 2014-07, pp. : 4554-4570

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Abstract

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (pHEVs) could represent the stepping stone to move towards a more sustainable mobility and combine the benefits of electric powertrains with the high range capability of conventional vehicles. Nevertheless, despite the huge potential in terms of CO₂ emissions reduction, the performance of such vehicles has to be deeply investigated in real world driving conditions considering also the CO₂ production related to battery recharge which, on the contrary, is currently only partially considered by the European regulation to foster the diffusion of pHEVs. Therefore, this paper aims to assess, through numerical simulation, the real performance of a test case pHEV, the energy management system (EMS) of which is targeted to the minimization of its overall CO₂ emissions. The paper highlights, at the same time, the relevance of the CO₂ production related to the battery recharge from the power grid. Different technologies mixes used to produce the electricity required for the battery recharge are also taken into account in order to assess the influence of this parameter on the vehicle CO₂ emissions. Finally, since the operating cost still represents the main driver in orienting the customer’s choice, an alternative approach for the EMS, targeted to the minimization of this variable, is also analyzed.