Impact of the electric vehicles on the air pollution from a highway. (1st May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferrero, Enrico; Alessandrini, Stefano; Balanzino, Alessia
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 169(2016)
• Page Start: 450
• Page End: 459
• Publication Date: 2016-05-01
• Subjects: Lagrangian dispersion model -- Traffic pollution -- Electric vehicle -- Environmental impact; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.01.098
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Highlights: A numerical chemical-dispersion model is applied to compute air pollution generated by traffic. A measurements campaign is carried out collecting meteorological and chemical variables. Measurement of traffic flows and related pollution emissions make the work original. New fleet scenarios based on electric vehicle introduction are considered. The benefits on air quality and human health due to electric vehicles are evaluated. Abstract: We have quantified the impact that an introduction of electric vehicles into the car fleet has on air quality (regarding NO and NO2 ) using a numerical dispersion model. An experimental campaign is conducted close to a highway in Milan, Italy. Meteorological parameters and chemical concentrations are measured along with the traffic emissions. We use a Lagrangian Stochastic Dispersion Model to create numerical simulations of the chemical reactions and dispersion involving pollutants from the highway. To evaluate the air pollution reductions, emission scenarios with different rates of electric vehicles introduction are simulated. We have found that only a significant replacement (50%) of non-electric vehicles with electric ones yields a remarkable reduction of the pollutant concentrations. However, even with lower electric vehicles introduction rates, the air quality improvements may be relevant during intense pollution episodes. The results provide useful information to decision makers and public administrators for planning measures to modify the car fleet composition aiming to improve the urban air quality.