ENERGY STAR CONCEPTS FOR HIGHWAY VEHICLES

The authors of this report, under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program, have investigated the possible application of Energy Star ratings to passenger cars and light trucks. This study establishes a framework for formulating and evaluating Energy Star rating methods that is comprised of energy- and environmental-based metrics, potential vehicle classification systems, vehicle technology factors, and vehicle selection criteria. The study tests several concepts and Energy Star rating methods using model-year 2000 vehicle data-a spreadsheet model has been developed to facilitate these analyses. This study tests two primary types of rating systems: (1) an outcome-based system that rates vehicles based on fuel economy, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and oil use and (2) a technology-based system that rates vehicles based on the energy-saving technologies they use. Rating methods were evaluated based on their ability to select vehicles with high fuel economy, low GHG emissions, and low oil use while preserving a full range of service (size and acceleration) and body style choice. This study concludes that an Energy Star rating for passenger cars and light trucks is feasible and that several methods could be used to achieve reasonable tradeoffs between low energy use and emissions and diversity in size, performance, and body type. It also shows that methods that consider only fuel economy, GHG emissions, or oil use will not select a diverse mix of vehicles. Finally, analyses suggest that methods that encourage the use of technology only, may result in increases in acceleration power and weight rather than reductions in oil use and GHG emissions and improvements in fuel economy.

  • Record URL:
  • Corporate Authors:

    Oak Ridge National Laboratory

    P. O. Box 2008
    Oak Ridge, TN  United States  37831

    Department of Energy

    1000 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, DC  United States  20585
  • Authors:
    • Greene, D L
    • Gibson, R C
    • DULEEP, K G
  • Publication Date: 2003-6

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 127 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00963089
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: ORNL/TM-2003/37
  • Contract Numbers: DE-AC05-00OR22725
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Sep 2 2003 12:00AM