Electric Vehicles And Other Alternatives To The Internal Combustion Engine

Considers S. 451, and related legislation, to authorize DOT and HEW to conduct studies of non-internal combustion powered vehicles and their applications in urban environments.

The aim of this work, consisting of 9 individual, self-contained booklets, is to describe commercial vehicle technology in a way that is clear, concise and illustrative. Compact and easy to understand, it provides an overview of the technology that goes into modern commercial vehicles. Starting from the customer's fundamental requirements, the characteristics and systems that define the design of the vehicles are presented knowledgeably in a series of articles, each of which can be read and studied on their own. This volume, "Alternative Powertrains and Supplements to the Conventional Powertrain", introduces alternatives and additions to the conventional powertrain of the commercial vehicle. The wide range of options is presented so as to be clearly understandable for those learning and working with them in a practical environment. Hybrid vehicles, electric powertrains and alternative fuels are discussed.

This book includes an in-depth analysis of the environmental and energy security impacts of replacing the internal combustion engine vehicle with various forms of electric vehicles and replacing gasoline and diesel fuel with alternative fuels including electricity, hydrogen and biofuels. In addition to a detailed "well-to-wheels" analysis of local air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and oil consumption for each alternative vehicle, the book estimates the market penetration potential of each fuel/vehicle combination to determine the most likely societal impact of each alternative vehicle pathway. To support the market penetration estimates, the book analyses the likely cost of each alternative vehicle in mass production and the cost of installing the necessary fuel infrastructure to support each option. The book provides sufficient detail to allow decision makers in governments and industry to choose among the alternative vehicle/fuel combinations that will lead to a truly sustainable transportation system.