Vehicle Comparison, Smart Growth & Energy Policies
Vehicle Technology Comparison: Efficiency & Emissions
Researchers compared different vehicle technologies using Well-to-Wheel (WTW) studies, utilizing the Greenhouse Gas Levels, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) model. The comparison included conventional, Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), Electric Vehicle (EV), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) cars for urban use. The assessment covered WTW energy, gasoline consumption, cost, and carbon emissions for each vehicle. In addition, the Tank-to-Wheel (TTW) efficiency for each vehicle type and the Well-to-Tank (WTT) efficiency for each fuel type were analyzed.
The conclusion, based on the WTW results, showed that the Flex Fuel Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (FF-PHEV) and the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) were superior, exhibiting the lowest WTW energy per mile and the lowest CO2 emissions. They also have the lowest fuel costs and consume zero gasoline.
Smart Growth: Sustainable Urban Development
Smart Growth contributes to the community by using land efficiently, protecting the environment and natural resources. It also focuses on revitalizing existing areas and structures. Smart Growth leverages urban planning and transportation strategies to mitigate uncontrolled sprawl and promote efficient land use. This is achieved by maximizing access to public transportation, walkability, bicycle infrastructure, and mixed-use development.
The United States has a high reliance on car transport due to a well-developed car culture and a lack of carpooling among many commuters. However, adopting alternative transportation methods can significantly benefit the environment and personal health. For example, walking or biking instead of driving reduces emissions and improves physical fitness. When walking or biking is not feasible, utilizing public transportation minimizes emissions, decreases traffic congestion, and reduces transportation costs.
- Using mixed-use development reduces distances between housing, workplaces, and retail businesses, increasing accessibility via transit.
- New construction is not encouraged, but revitalizing older, pre-existing structures is prioritized.
- One main goal of urban planning is to increase public transit density, enabling more people to utilize it.
Having homes, jobs, stores, parks, schools, and other destinations close to each other, enabling people to easily walk, bike, use public transit, or drive shorter distances, is a core principle of Smart Growth.
State, National, and Regional Energy Policies
State energy policy has authority over how energy is provided and used. States regulate utilities, establish building codes, and plan transportation networks. State energy policies often surpass federal policies in innovation, potentially leading to the adoption of these innovations at the federal level. States also have robust programs for renewable energy.
National energy policy benefits from greater funding but is often subject to political shifts that may hinder certain innovations, such as those related to building and land use, renewable portfolio standards, and necessary research funding. States are actively enacting climate change policies, while the federal government’s response has been less consistent.
Regional energy policies are also crucial. They combine the authority of states with funding levels similar to the federal government. When multiple states collaborate on energy policy, increased funding becomes available. For example, the Northeastern States joined together to create the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, aiming to reduce emissions to 2005 levels.