Plug-In Hybrid Emissions Characterization and Demonstration Study

A partnership between the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and DaimlerChrysler resulted in some of the first prototype plug-in hybrid vehicles (pHEV) to reach U.S. roadways. Through recruited operating partnerships, the proof-of-concept testing of the pHEV Sprinter began in 2004. The Kansas City Area Transit Authority (KCATA) joined the list of partners in order to test the pHEV’s feasibility in public transit application and in September 2006 on-road testing of the paratransit pHEV commenced. Due to interest in the pHEV’s emission profile and concerns regarding its suitability to meet U.S. federal testing procedures, the University of Kansas Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering Department was contracted to perform a demonstration study of the Kansas City pHEV Sprinter. The demonstration study’s primary aim was to develop a comprehensive dataset capable of describing the paratransit pHEV’s operation and emissions over a variety of different road conditions. The dataset, in its entirety, was to be made available to the industry partners so that they could use it as needed to help meet their individual marketing and certification goals. On-road emission testing was implemented in order to meet the project’s goals. By operating the pHEV on a variety of different transit routes and roadways using different drive configurations, a dataset capable of evaluating the pHEV’s emissions under both transit application and normal civilian driving has been compiled for the project’s partners. Preliminary data analysis investigating the pHEV’s electric-only capacity with respect to state of charge indicated that the pHEV Sprinter paratransit bus did not experience the 20 miles of anticipated electric-only operation in charge-depleting mode. Despite this, the pHEV Sprinter still saw significant electric-only operation during the charge-sustaining or hybrid mode. Roadway type proved to be a statistically significant factor with regards to the pHEV’s operation and emissions. Highway driving proved the most fuel-efficient driving mode, with urban driving the least efficient. Despite this, urban driving resulted in the lowest emission of noxious pollutants (specifically, NOx and hydrocarbons). Finally, the driving profile required by transit bus drivers to meet passenger stop requirements while remaining on a set schedule resulted in overall poorer fuel economy when compared with driving the same route solo.

• Record URL:
  http://tris.trb.org/common/TRIS%20Suite/includes/getfile.aspx?subdir=docs&nodl=1&f=KAN42826%20&%20KAN42825-DennisLane_FinalReport.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Kansas, Lawrence

  Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering
  1530 West 15th Street
  Lawrence, KS  United States  66045-7609

  University of Kansas, Lawrence

  Transportation Research Institute, 1530 W 15th Street
  Lawrence, KS  United States  66045
• Authors:
  • Hohl, Carrie M
  • Carter, Ray E
  • Peltier, Edward
  • Lane, Dennis D
• Publication Date: 2008-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Edition: Draft Final Report
• Features: Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 52p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Demonstration projects; Exhaust gases; Hybrid vehicles; Paratransit vehicles; Plug-in hybrid vehicles
• Uncontrolled Terms: On-road vehicle test programs; Operating efficiency; Proof of concept
• Subject Areas: Environment; Highways; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment; I15: Environment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01129919
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 4 2009 4:05PM