Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Impacts of a Connected and Automated SUV and Van

Abstract

The connected and automated vehicle (CAV) is a fundamentally disruptive technology that will change the future of mobility. Existing studies that evaluate the environmental impacts of CAV technology focus on light duty passenger cars (sedans); little is known about its impact on sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and vans. This thesis research applies life cycle modeling methodology to understand greenhouse gas emissions and primary energy use of a CAV SUV and van deployed as a ridesource fleet vehicle. Our focus on SUVs and vans as ridesourcing fleet vehicles in this study is motivated by two major market trends: 1. Increasing SUV sales and 2. An increase in usage of ridesourcing services. The results of this research show that current automated vehicle technology does not provide a direct path to reducing vehicle life cycle GHG emissions. The work presented in this thesis was submitted for publication in the journal Transportation Research Part D: Transport and the Environment. The publication decision is still pending at this time.