Publications

Simulation-Based Assessment of Energy Consumption of Alternative Powertrains in Agricultural Tractors

2/27/2024

This report developed simulation models for conventional, parallel hybrid electric, series hybrid electric, fuel cell hybrid, and battery electric powertrain technologies for agricultural tractors, analyzing the potential energy efficiency and emissions benefits as well as technical challenges for implementing the vehicles. The study showed that both the battery electric and fuel cell hybrid tractors have higher potential to reduce energy consumption and emissions, but currently have inherent technical challenges, while the parallel hybrid and series hybrid powertrain tractors have varying energy efficiency benefits depending on the tractor size and operating cycle conditions.

Authors: Lajunen, A; Kivekas, K; Freyermuth, V; Vijayagopal, R; Kim, N

Clean Cities Alternative Fuel Price Report, January 2024

2/22/2024

The Clean Cities Alternative Fuel Price Report for January 2024 is a quarterly report on the prices of alternative fuels in the U.S. and their relation to gasoline and diesel prices. This issue describes prices that were gathered from Clean Cities coordinators and stakeholders between January 1, 2024 and January 15, 2024, and then averaged in order to determine regional price trends by fuel and variability in fuel price within regions and among regions. The prices collected for this report represent retail, at-the-pump sales prices for each fuel, including Federal and state motor fuel taxes.

Table 2 reports that the nationwide average price (all amounts are per gallon) for regular gasoline has decreased 66 cents from $3.72 to $3.06; diesel decreased 58 cents from $4.52 to $3.94; CNG increased 10 cents from $2.85 to $2.95; ethanol (E85) decreased 50 cents from $3.05 to $2.55; propane increased 20 cents from $3.29 to $3.49; and biodiesel (B20) decreased 59 cents from $4.42 to $3.83.

According to Table 3, CNG is 11 cents less than gasoline on an energy-equivalent basis and E85 is 26 cents more than gasoline on an energy-equivalent basis.

Authors: Bourbon, E.

Electric Vehicle Fire Primer for Fleet Managers

2/16/2024

Despite heightened media attention, the risk of an EV fire is statistically very low. Fleet managers considering EVs can learn about the potential for EV fires and measures to help reduce fire risk.

Hydrogen and the Global Energy Transition - Path to Sustainability and Adoption across All Economic Sectors

2/8/2024

This article analyzes the role of hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier in the global energy transition, providing an overview of current hydrogen technology and its applications across various industries, including transportation. Additionally, the article discusses the need for policy makers, industries, and researchers to collaborate to allow hydrogen technology to reach its full potential.

Authors: Cheekatamarla, P

National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI) Brief for State Public Utility Commissions (PUCs)

2/1/2024

State PUCs will play an important role in NEVI buildout as they oversee the utility investment in a new national EV charging network. This policy brief provides an explanation of the NEVI funding process and requirements for PUCs, describing potential PUC roles in the NEVI process and considerations for state PUCs as states undergo the NEVI process. The report also details how the implementation of the NEVI program may broadly impact the future technical requirements and standards for the EV charging industry and specifically for utilities.

Authors: Bennett, R

Adoption of Plug-in Electric Vehicles: Local Fuel Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions Across the U.S

2/1/2024

This report aims to fill a research gap in the local effects of the benefits of electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The report estimates the fuel cost savings and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions at the state and local zip code levels, considering local fuel prices, vehicle class preferences, vehicle model years, fuel efficiencies, and driving intensities. The report found that EV adoption can result in annual savings up to $2,200. Additionally, the report found that in over 99% of U.S. zip codes, EVs result in overall savings in fuel use and GHG emissions.

Authors: Wu, X; Zhou, Y; Gohlke, D

Best Practices for Payment Systems at Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

2/1/2024

This report summarizes current electric vehicle (EV) charging payment challenges and proposes solutions, including issues with EV charging networks; integration, activation, and installation; robustness of hardware; customer experience; and maintenance.

Authors: Moriarty, K; Smart, J

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Trends from the Alternative Fueling Station Locator: Third Quarter 2023

2/1/2024

Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure continues to rapidly change and grow. Using data from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fueling Station Locator, this report provides a snapshot of the state of EV charging infrastructure in the United States in the third calendar quarter of 2023 by charging level, network, and location. Additionally, this report measures the current state of charging infrastructure compared with a federal infrastructure requirement scenario. This information is intended to help transportation planners, policymakers, researchers, infrastructure developers, and others understand the rapidly changing landscape of EV charging infrastructure. This is the fifteenth report in a series.

Authors: Brown, A.; Cappellucci, J.; Heinrich, A.; Cost, E.

Community Charging: Emerging Multifamily, Curbside, and Multimodal Practices

2/1/2024

This paper discusses the emerging practices and technologies that can be used to bring electric mobility infrastructure to those without access to privately owned electric vehicle (EV) parking or privately owned EVs. Selected case studies from Colorado, California, New York, and outside of the U.S. illustrate curbside and multimodal solutions serving those who live in multifamily housing, residents without private parking, and residents who do not own cars.

Authors: Epstein, A; Ledvina, K; Lian, S; Drake, J; Costa, S; Washington, K

Clean Cities Coalitions 2022 Activity Report

1/29/2024

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) works with local Clean Cities coalitions across the country as part of its Technology Integration Program. These efforts help businesses and consumers make smarter and more informed transportation energy choices that can save energy, lower costs, provide resilience through fuel diversification, and reduce emissions. This report summarizes the success and impact of coalition activities based on data and information provided in their annual reports.

Authors: Singer, M.; Johnson, C.; Wilson, A.

Model Year 2024: Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles

1/1/2024

This document lists the model, vehicle type, engine size, and fuel economy of a variety of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.

Electric Mobility Opportunities for Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

1/1/2024

This report outlines steps that Brooklyn Park, Minnesota can take through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Communities Local Energy Action Program in order to expand electric mobility access for its residents, particularly those residents who are most historically underserved. The report provides an overview of different options for increasing mobility for residents, including personal electric vehicles, electric carshares, electric micro mobility, and on demand services. The report additionally highlights the importance of ongoing community engagement and education.

Authors: Weigl, D; Bopp, K; Rosner, N

The Future of Biofuels in the United States Transportation Sector

12/29/2023

This article analyses conversion options for biomass to fuels in the U.S. transportation sector, particularly for heavy duty transportation and aviation, based on regional carbon dioxide transportation and injection costs and current U.S. tax credits. The article found that that under current credits biofuels play a role only in some regions of the U.S., but a range of policy scenarios, including combining biofuel production with carbon-capture and storage, can lead to biofuels playing a significant role nationally.

Authors: Geissler, C; Ryu, J; Maravelias, C

Corridor-Level Impacts of Battery-Electric Heavy-Duty Trucks and the Effects of Policy in the United States

12/18/2023

Electrifying freight trucks will be key to alleviating air pollution burdens on disadvantaged communities and mitigating climate change. The United States plans to pursue this aim by adding vehicle charging infrastructure along specific freight corridors. This study explores the coevolution of the electricity grid and freight trucking landscape using an integrated assessment framework to identify when each interstate and drayage corridor becomes advantageous to electrify from a climate and human health standpoint.

Authors: McNeil, W; Tong, F; Harley, R; Auffhammer, M; Scown, C

AFLEET Assesses Vehicle, Fuel, and Infrastructure Impacts

12/13/2023

AFLEET is a free tool from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that fleet managers can use to quantify the environmental and economic impacts of new fuels and vehicle technologies. The AFLEET fact sheet explains how the tool works and how to access it.