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CMU study finds that coal retirement is needed for EVs to reduce air pollution

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Electric vehicles charged in coal-heavy regions can create more human health and environmental damages from life cycle air emissions than gasoline vehicles, according to a new consequential life cycle analysis by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University. UC stands for uncontrolled charging and CC stands for controlled charging.

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Obama climate plan calls for new fuel economy standards for heavy-duty vehicles post-2018; cleaner fuels and investment in advanced fossil energy

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Among the transportation-related elements of US President Barack Obama’s new climate action plan, which he is outlining today in a speech at Georgetown University, is the development of new fuel economy standards for heavy-duty vehicles post-2018. Earlier post.). Other efforts will include: Natural Gas. Energy Efficiency.

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ORNL study finds best current use of natural gas for cars is efficient production of electricity for EVs

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However, they also noted, high PTW efficiencies and the moderate fuel economies of current compressed natural gas vehicles (CNGVs) make them a viable option as well. The study investigated the the WTW energy and emissions from the use of natural gas in CNGVs with a range of CNGV fuel economy and natural gas compressor efficiency.

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IEA: carbon intensity of global energy supply has barely changed in last 20 years; “window of opportunity in transport”

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The IEA said that this reflects the continued domination of fossil fuels—particularly coal—in the energy mix and the slow uptake of other, lower-carbon supply technologies. Fuel economy improvements accelerate where implementation of fuel economy standards and other policy measures has been scaled up, the report notes.

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National Research Council Report on Americas Energy Future Highlights Vehicle Efficiency Technologies, Conversion of Biomass and Coal-to-Liquids Fuels, and Electrifying the Light Duty Fleet with PHEVs, BEVs and FCVs

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Improvements result from an optimistic scenario achieving doubling of new vehicle fuel economy in 2035 from today’s value. Developing technologies for the conversion of biomass and coal-to-liquid fuels. from liquid-fuel production plants is captured and stored geologically. Source: America’s Energy Future, Fig.

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U-M study finds current CAFE standards create profit incentive for larger vehicles

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The current vehicle footprint-based Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards create a financial incentive for automakers to increase vehicle size, except under certain limited conditions of consumer preference for vehicle size, according to a study by University of Michigan researchers Kate Whitefoot and Steven Skerlos.

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Georgia Tech life-cycle study finds TCO of medium-duty electric and diesel delivery trucks similar; electric life-cycle energy use and GHG lower than diesel

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The first upstream component accounts for indirect energy input for the production and distribution of power generation fuel and the construction, maintenance, decommissioning, and waste disposal of the power plant. Electric grid transmission and distribution efficiency (from power plants to end-use customers) is the third component.

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