Factor Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Automobiles

31 Pages Posted: 23 Jan 2013

See all articles by John M. DeCicco

John M. DeCicco

University of Michigan at Ann Arbor

Date Written: December 26, 2012

Abstract

Three approaches are commonly identified for controlling automobile greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: reducing travel demand, improving vehicle efficiency and using alternatively (non-petroleum) fueled vehicles (AFVs). Similarly, sector emissions can be decomposed by travel distance, vehicle fuel intensity and fuel GHG ("carbon") intensity. Normalized analysis of these three factors offers valuable insights. For a broad set of conditions, any stringent GHG emissions limit for the automobile sector implies a limit of comparable stringency for fuel carbon intensity. However, carbon intensity is an abstraction of complex supply systems rather than an observable property of fuels (physical energy carriers) themselves. Carefully considering the locations and current magnitudes of fuel-related emissions implies that the proper policy focus is upstream in sectors that supply fuel rather than downstream on the choice of fuels in the automotive sector. Therefore, other than fundamental R&D, programs to promote AFVs are not currently warranted for climate protection. In addition to managing travel demand and improving vehicle efficiency, the implied climate policy priority is limiting net GHG emissions in fuel supply sectors. Future work is needed to develop GHG management policies for liquid fuel supply systems involving fungible commodities and dynamic global supply chains.

Keywords: energy, climate, policy, transportation, vehicles, fuels, automobiles, efficiency, alternative fuels, carbon mitigation, vehicle technology

Suggested Citation

DeCicco, John, Factor Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Automobiles (December 26, 2012). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2205144 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2205144

John DeCicco (Contact Author)

University of Michigan at Ann Arbor ( email )

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
United States
313-744-5972 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://ies.engin.umich.edu/profile/decicco-m-john

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