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Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "E: Electric Vehicles".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 62840

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Division of Regional Development, University of Gdańsk, Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland
Interests: transformation of electric public transport operation; increase of electromobility (especially in public transport); development of battery drives; competition between trolleybuses and electric buses; evaluation of the development of urban electric transport; spatial analysis; smart cities
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Guest Editor is inviting submissions to a Special Issue of Energies on the subject area of “Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle”.

Reduction of pollutant emissions concerns in particular transport as one of the main emitters. The development of electromobility is becoming the main task that applies to both developed and developing countries, as well as those with less economic development. Modern battery technologies allow the spread of zero-emission vehicles that do not emit pollution at the place of use. They also allow you to cover ever greater distances without having to invest in the overhead contact line. This is particularly important in city centers, in highly urbanized areas, as well as in historic centers, where it is not possible to build appropriate infrastructure. The miniaturization of battery technologies also allows for the rapid development of individual transport vehicles, such as electric bikes, scooters and of course cars.

This issue will publish articles dealing with issues related to:

- development of electric vehicles,

- possibilities of their dissemination,

- increasing spatial accessibility of EV,

- electric vehicle development policy,

- studies on the assessment of the development of electric vehicles,

- comparative studies of various solutions of energy storage and electric drives.

Dr. Marcin Połom
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Electromobility
  • Electric public transport
  • Tramways
  • Electric buses
  • Trolleybuses
  • EV
  • Electric cars
  • E-bicycles
  • Power storage

Published Papers (16 papers)

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21 pages, 980 KiB  
Article
A Typology of Attitudes towards the E-Bike against the Background of the Traditional Bicycle and the Car
by Jadwiga Biegańska, Elżbieta Grzelak-Kostulska and Michał Adam Kwiatkowski
Energies 2021, 14(24), 8430; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14248430 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2628
Abstract
Although it is generally accepted that innovators and early adopters have a particular influence on the uptake of electric bikes, other groups, whose reactions to innovation have not been studied, are perhaps wrongly marginalised. Such individuals, often relying on stereotypes, also need to [...] Read more.
Although it is generally accepted that innovators and early adopters have a particular influence on the uptake of electric bikes, other groups, whose reactions to innovation have not been studied, are perhaps wrongly marginalised. Such individuals, often relying on stereotypes, also need to be included in researchers’ scope of interest. Therefore, the aim of the CAWI survey was to determine the attitudes of respondents, both users and non-users of electric bikes, and on this basis to classify by k-means analysis the attitudes towards the e-bike compared to the traditional bicycle and the car. The results obtained show a large variation between the designated classes. What most of them have in common is a strong attachment to the private car, which is typical for the cycling culture of this part of Europe, but the psycho-physical characteristics of the surveyed remain the strongest differentiating factor. Therefore, in the light of the opinions collected, it seems that the group Gadget lovers 1 and 2, whose share was about one-quarter of the total number surveyed, may be the most inclined to change their transport behaviour. This means that the e-bike, as an innovation, can overcome a critical discontinuity stage on the innovation diffusion curve in the Innovation Adaptation Lifecycle (IAL). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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12 pages, 1250 KiB  
Article
Forecast of the Impact of Electric Car Battery Performance and Infrastructural and Demographic Changes on Cumulative Accessibility for the Five Most Populous Cities in Poland
by Piotr Rosik, Sławomir Goliszek, Tomasz Komornicki and Patryk Duma
Energies 2021, 14(24), 8350; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14248350 - 11 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2061
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to compare (1) technological factors (the ranges offered by the batteries of three popular electric vehicles in Poland); (2) infrastructure improvements; and (3) demographic changes and their impact on accessibility in the context of the ranges of [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study is to compare (1) technological factors (the ranges offered by the batteries of three popular electric vehicles in Poland); (2) infrastructure improvements; and (3) demographic changes and their impact on accessibility in the context of the ranges of labor markets within the 30, 60, and 90 min isochrones in moderate driving mode for the five largest cities in Poland using cumulative accessibility. We conclude that technological developments result in a much greater improvement in accessibility than demographic and infrastructural change. This is already visible with the 30 to 60 min isochrones, in particular when using the BMW in Cracow (with a more than 36% improvement in accessibility). Even greater changes, reaching as much as over 90%, are observed for the 60–90 min isochrones. The analysis shows that the shift in electromobility may be constrained by parallel demographic processes, dispersion of population in suburban areas, and the development of road infrastructure. The novelty of the approach stems from the fact that it is based on three above mentioned key factors that influence the accessibility of labor markets for EV users in the largest cities up to 2030. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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27 pages, 1659 KiB  
Article
Can Electric Bicycles Enhance Leisure and Tourism Activities and City Happiness?
by Hsiao-Hsien Lin, Chih-Chien Shen, I-Cheng Hsu and Pei-Yi Wu
Energies 2021, 14(23), 8144; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14238144 - 4 Dec 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2788
Abstract
Using Meizhou City as an example, the aim of this study was to verify whether e-bike sharing systems can improve the convenience of engaging in leisure and tourism activities in cities, and thus increase residents’ well-being. First, quantitative research was carried out to [...] Read more.
Using Meizhou City as an example, the aim of this study was to verify whether e-bike sharing systems can improve the convenience of engaging in leisure and tourism activities in cities, and thus increase residents’ well-being. First, quantitative research was carried out to collect data on users’ opinions. Then, qualitative research was carried out to obtain the opinions of experts. Finally, the investigation was conducted using multivariate review analysis. The results of the research showed that e-bikes should be classified based on electric quantity, the rental fee should be charged based on mileage, and the relevant corporate information should be integrated. It is also necessary to develop a software interface with functions for users to rent e-bikes and search for information related to consumption, leisure, and travel activities, and make promotion plans. Finally, people need to be encouraged to cycle to obtain the benefits of leisure and exercise. In this manner, the convenience of participation in leisure and tourism activities can be increased, people’s physical and mental health will be substantially improved, and the happiness index of the people and the city will increase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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19 pages, 5076 KiB  
Article
How Long Will Combustion Vehicles Be Used? Polish Transport Sector on the Pathway to Climate Neutrality
by Wojciech Rabiega, Artur Gorzałczyński, Robert Jeszke, Paweł Mzyk and Krystian Szczepański
Energies 2021, 14(23), 7871; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14237871 - 24 Nov 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2997
Abstract
Transformation of road transport sector through replacing of internal combustion vehicles with zero-emission technologies is among key challenges to achievement of climate neutrality by 2050. In a constantly developing economy, the demand for transport services increases to ensure continuity in the supply chain [...] Read more.
Transformation of road transport sector through replacing of internal combustion vehicles with zero-emission technologies is among key challenges to achievement of climate neutrality by 2050. In a constantly developing economy, the demand for transport services increases to ensure continuity in the supply chain and passenger mobility. Deployment of electric technologies in the road transport sector involves both businesses and households, its pace depends on the technological development of zero-emission vehicles, presence of necessary infrastructure and regulations on emission standards for new vehicles entering the market. Thus, this study attempts to estimate how long combustion vehicles will be in use and what the state of the fleet will be in 2050. For obtainment of results the TR3E partial equilibrium model was used. The study simulates the future fleet structure in passenger and freight transport. The results obtained for Poland for the climate neutrality (NEU) scenario show that in 2050 the share of vehicles using fossil fuels will be ca. 30% in both road passenger and freight transport. The consequence of shifts in the structure of the fleet is the reduction of CO2 emissions ca. 80% by 2050 and increase of the transport demand for electricity and hydrogen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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29 pages, 22736 KiB  
Article
The Second Generation Electromobility in Polish Urban Public Transport: The Factors and Mechanisms of Spatial Development
by Robert Guzik, Arkadiusz Kołoś, Jakub Taczanowski, Łukasz Fiedeń, Krzysztof Gwosdz, Katarzyna Hetmańczyk and Jakub Łodziński
Energies 2021, 14(22), 7751; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14227751 - 18 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2298
Abstract
One of the key challenges on the road to sustainable mobility is the development of low/zero emission urban public transport (UPT). This is crucial in order to meet environmental requirements aiming at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. In some countries (e.g., Poland) reduction [...] Read more.
One of the key challenges on the road to sustainable mobility is the development of low/zero emission urban public transport (UPT). This is crucial in order to meet environmental requirements aiming at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. In some countries (e.g., Poland) reduction of air pollution is also an important reason behind the implementation of low/zero emission UPT. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors and mechanisms influencing the development of modern electromobility in Polish UPT. We have examined all 242 UPT systems in the country in terms of the characteristics of the relevant urban municipalities, such as size, economic prosperity, level of human and social capital, development paths of urban public transport in the long term as well as the institutional context and proximity and connections to other cities with experience in electromobility. Classification and statistical methods are used based on a variety of approaches, as assigning a score to various preliminarily identified indicators or applying correlation between quantities to verify the formulated hypotheses. Our analysis demonstrates that electromobility adoption is the result of a combination of favourable economic, urban, social and technological characteristic features of a given city. Zero or low emission buses are more common in large cities which are highly positioned in urban hierarchy, economically sound and which are characterized by a well-developed tertiary economy as well as by high human capital. An additional factor that positively influences the implementation of electromobility—in particular at the very first stage—is proximity to the location of low emission bus producers. The leadership in modern electromobility can be understood as part of a broader, proactive development policy of the cities aimed at improving the quality of life of their residents. This is especially important in medium-sized towns where utilizing electric vehicles can be an instrument to maintain or even develop their role and status. The results of the article may provide a basis for creating sustainable urban policies, especially sustainable mobility and improving environmental quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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23 pages, 487 KiB  
Article
Charging for Collaboration: Exploring the Dynamics of Temporal Fit in Interdependent Constellations for Innovation
by Wouter P. L. van Galen, Bob Walrave, Sharon A. M. Dolmans and A. Georges L. Romme
Energies 2021, 14(17), 5386; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175386 - 30 Aug 2021
Viewed by 2013
Abstract
The development of a suitable public charging system for electric vehicles relies on inputs from many complementary organizations that need to synchronize interdependencies across different activities, organizations, and industries. Research on temporal fit has focused on synchronizing activities within or external to the [...] Read more.
The development of a suitable public charging system for electric vehicles relies on inputs from many complementary organizations that need to synchronize interdependencies across different activities, organizations, and industries. Research on temporal fit has focused on synchronizing activities within or external to the organization, rather than exploring synchronization across multiple organizations with highly interdependent yet colliding temporal structures and multiple time-givers. Drawing on a case study of a collaborative effort to create a national charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, we theorize the interplay between various highly interdependent actors. The resulting theory posits that actors combine and shift between different innovation practices to organize time and explains how multiple, yet interdependent actors engaging in temporal work attempt to accomplish temporal fit. Three entrainment dynamics are identified: (1) temporal tug-of-war through ecosystem configuration; (2) temporal dictating through group politics; and (3) ecosystem navigation through temporal ambivalence. These dynamics arise both between and within groups of actors when they coordinate innovation practices across multiple temporal structures and time-givers. Together, the simultaneous pursuit of synchronization within and across these different coalitions appears to constrain the realization of the collective goal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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19 pages, 3715 KiB  
Article
Forecast of the Demand for Electric Mobility for Rome–Fiumicino International Airport
by Romano Alberto Acri, Silvia Barone, Paolo Cambula, Valter Cecchini, Maria Carmen Falvo, Jacopo Lepore, Matteo Manganelli and Federico Santi
Energies 2021, 14(17), 5251; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175251 - 25 Aug 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2420
Abstract
Following electrification of automotive transport, studies on the penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) are widespread, especially in defined contexts. As major transport hubs, airports fall within contexts worthy of interest. In this work, a forecast of the demand for electric mobility in an [...] Read more.
Following electrification of automotive transport, studies on the penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) are widespread, especially in defined contexts. As major transport hubs, airports fall within contexts worthy of interest. In this work, a forecast of the demand for electric mobility in an Italian international airport (Rome–Fiumicino) is presented. The main goal of the research is to build up a methodology that allows evaluating the penetration index of EVs that will access the airport parks in 2025 and 2030, to be able to have a preliminary assessment of the number of charging points necessary for serving them. In the paper, first, a wide review of proposed scenarios on the penetration of EVs at international and national level and available data on local automotive transport are presented, as a preliminary study for the definition of reference scenarios for the local context. Then, the proposed methodology is presented and applied to the specific case study. Finally, a preliminary sizing of the required charging infrastructure is reported. The results show that a significant impact on the airport electricity network can be foreseen, and it requires proper planning of adaptation/upgrading actions. The proposed approach can be considered as a reference for similar studies on electrical mobility in other airport areas around the world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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19 pages, 3096 KiB  
Article
Could It Be a Bike for Everyone? The Electric Bicycle in Poland
by Michał Adam Kwiatkowski, Elżbieta Grzelak-Kostulska and Jadwiga Biegańska
Energies 2021, 14(16), 4878; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14164878 - 10 Aug 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3049
Abstract
The purpose of study was to find out how electric bikes are perceived in Poland, a country with a high level of motorisation and a low cycling culture. A key question was to investigate whether differences in perceptions between traditional (unassisted) and electrically [...] Read more.
The purpose of study was to find out how electric bikes are perceived in Poland, a country with a high level of motorisation and a low cycling culture. A key question was to investigate whether differences in perceptions between traditional (unassisted) and electrically assisted bicycles could bring about greater interest in bicycle transport. The analysis was based on the results of a CAWI survey analysing the perception of the electric bicycle in comparison with the traditional bicycle and the car. Its undoubted advantages are marginalised (only 14% of respondents considered it more practical). The position of the electric bicycle seemed to increase in the opinion of the surveyed only when used by elderly people with poorer fitness, as something that can encourage them to cycle. In general evaluations, it was the traditional bicycle that was seen as better for health. The presented results may serve as a signal that electric bicycles need more promotion in Poland, especially in terms of the benefits of using this mode of transport and the advantages over conventional bikes. The electric bicycle, due to its still low popularity in Poland, may be treated as a certain novelty, which is approached with some distrust and reserve. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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24 pages, 6348 KiB  
Article
Privileging Electric Vehicles as an Element of Promoting Sustainable Urban Mobility—Effects on the Local Transport System in a Large Metropolis in Poland
by Marta Borowska-Stefańska, Michał Kowalski, Paulina Kurzyk, Miroslava Mikušová and Szymon Wiśniewski
Energies 2021, 14(13), 3838; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14133838 - 25 Jun 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2389
Abstract
The main purpose of this article was to determine the impact on the equilibrium of the local transport system from privileging EVs by permitting them to use bus lanes. The study used two sets of data: information on infrastructure and traffic management; and [...] Read more.
The main purpose of this article was to determine the impact on the equilibrium of the local transport system from privileging EVs by permitting them to use bus lanes. The study used two sets of data: information on infrastructure and traffic management; and information on the recorded road network loads and traffic volumes generated by a given shopping centre—the E. Leclerc shopping centre (an important traffic generator within the city of Łódź, Poland). These sets were then used to develop a microsimulation traffic model for the shopping centre and the associated effects on the localised transport system. The model was constructed by means of the PTV Vissim software tool. An initial simulation was conducted that formed a basis for subsequent scenarios (in total, 17 simulations were performed). On the basis of the conducted analyses, it was established that—for the researched part of the transport system—privileging the still rather uncommon battery electric vehicles (BEVs) engendered a marginal deterioration of traffic conditions. At the same time, allowing BEVs to use bus lanes within the chosen research area had no negative impact on bus journey times. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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16 pages, 4550 KiB  
Article
BASS Model Analysis in “Crossing the Chasm” in E-Cars Innovation Diffusion Scenarios
by Anna Brdulak, Grażyna Chaberek and Jacek Jagodziński
Energies 2021, 14(11), 3216; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14113216 - 31 May 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7952
Abstract
In the face of contemporary ecological problems, including the influence of transport and mobility on the greenhouse effect, policy makers see a solution in the technology of electric vehicles (EVs). This innovation has appeared in the automotive market around the world. In this [...] Read more.
In the face of contemporary ecological problems, including the influence of transport and mobility on the greenhouse effect, policy makers see a solution in the technology of electric vehicles (EVs). This innovation has appeared in the automotive market around the world. In this article, Rogers’ innovation diffusion concept was used to determine if and when EVs could replace combustion engine vehicles. The aim of the article is to analyze the current situation of innovative electric vehicle (EV) technology on the European Union (EU) market and the potential and possible directions of its market diffusion. As a result of the analysis of the current situation of the EU automotive markets, three groups of countries with different market conditions regarding the development of EV technology were distinguished. The classification was carried out using the K-means clustering algorithm, based on the current level of innovation and the level of development of the LPG-(Liquefied Petroleum Gas) powered car market. Then, a group of countries with the greatest advancement in EV technology was selected for further research and market diffusion scenarios were created for this innovation using the Bass model, assuming the target market size of 70–100% of all passenger cars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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34 pages, 5033 KiB  
Article
Multiple-Criteria-Based Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Design Problem
by Mikołaj Schmidt, Paweł Zmuda-Trzebiatowski, Marcin Kiciński, Piotr Sawicki and Konrad Lasak
Energies 2021, 14(11), 3214; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14113214 - 31 May 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4184
Abstract
The article presents the issue of designing a network of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) for servicing passenger and commercial vehicles and taking into account the already existing locations. The authors propose a five-stage multicriteria- and GIS-based EVCS location methodology (5MAGISEV) for designing [...] Read more.
The article presents the issue of designing a network of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) for servicing passenger and commercial vehicles and taking into account the already existing locations. The authors propose a five-stage multicriteria- and GIS-based EVCS location methodology (5MAGISEV) for designing the EVCS network that includes defining potential EVCS locations (stage 1), constructing a family of evaluation criteria (stage 2), generating alternatives (stage 3), selecting an appropriate multiple criteria decision aid method (stage 4) and conducting a multicriteria evaluation of alternatives (stage 5). The methodology was verified by its experimental application for solving the problem of EVCS location in Poznan, Poland. As a result of its application, a set of over 155,000 alternatives was generated in view of different EVCS location determination policies. A family of eight criteria with subcriteria was proposed to assess the solutions, including the evaluation of the degree of integration of the considered EVCSs with such issues as public transport (C1); urbanized areas (C2); main road network (C3); industrial areas (C4); and the location with respect to transport areas (C5), shops of various types (C6), address points (C7) and DYI stores (C8). Based on the selected method of multiple criteria decision aid (LBS), a solution was selected that constitutes a compromise design of the EVCS network. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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18 pages, 1766 KiB  
Article
Technology Development and Spatial Diffusion of Auxiliary Power Sources in Trolleybuses in European Countries
by Marcin Połom
Energies 2021, 14(11), 3040; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14113040 - 24 May 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2210
Abstract
Trolleybus transport is one of the classic means of public transport in cities. Its popularity varied in the past and was largely related to the fuel market situation. As fuel prices fell, electricity-powered transport lost popularity. The situation was similar during fuel crises. [...] Read more.
Trolleybus transport is one of the classic means of public transport in cities. Its popularity varied in the past and was largely related to the fuel market situation. As fuel prices fell, electricity-powered transport lost popularity. The situation was similar during fuel crises. Trolleybuses gained in popularity then. Nowadays, the development of alternative power sources (APS) technology makes trolleybus transport partially independent of the overhead contact system, which is its great advantage. It is thus possible to develop trolleybus connections in areas where there is no justification for building overhead wiring infrastructure. The article analyses the development of on-board APS and their spatial diffusion in trolleybus systems in Europe. The main result of the research procedure indicates that the development of battery technologies, which could accelerate the closure of trolleybus transport due to the strong competition of electric buses not requiring an overhead contact line, allows for the dynamic development of this branch of transport. The situation in 71 trolleybus systems in Central and Western Europe which had any experience in the use of APS in 2011–2021 was examined. As a result of the analysis, the dynamics of APS diffusion were determined, in particular, a significant increase in the number of trolleybus systems using on-board batteries from 7 in 2011 to 44 in 2021. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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23 pages, 7988 KiB  
Article
Possibilities for Developing Electromobility by Using Autonomously Powered Trolleybuses Based on the Example of Gdynia
by Mikołaj Bartłomiejczyk and Marcin Połom
Energies 2021, 14(10), 2971; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14102971 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4699
Abstract
Trolleybus transport refers to contemporary challenges related to a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases and CO2 into the atmosphere formulated by international institutions, such as the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, or the European Union. Departure [...] Read more.
Trolleybus transport refers to contemporary challenges related to a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases and CO2 into the atmosphere formulated by international institutions, such as the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, or the European Union. Departure from fossil fuels in urban transport is one of the key challenges for the coming years. Trolleybuses are an important tool in this task, even though their importance was declining in the past. Nowadays, due to, among others, technological development, in particular the availability of high-capacity batteries, their long life and low weight, trolleybus transport is becoming popular again. The use of the existing overhead contact infrastructure of the trolleybus network and small on-board batteries allow expanding the spatial accessibility of zero-emission public transport. Thus, this reduces the social differentiation in access to environmentally friendly transport that does not emit pollutants at the place of operation. The article presents possibilities of using on-board batteries in shaping trolleybus connections with the optimal use of the existing overhead contact lines (OHL). It presents a procedure that allows for the evaluation of the extent to which the OHL should cover the routes of bus lines in order to qualify for trolleybus service in the In-Motion-Charging (IMC) technology. Analysis of the literature shows inadequate scientific studies on combining the advantages of overhead wiring and the development of on-board battery technology in popularising zero-emission transport. This article addresses the key issues related to the use of partially autonomous trolleybuses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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24 pages, 3358 KiB  
Article
Is It Possible to Develop Electromobility in Urban Passenger Shipping in Post-Communist Countries? Evidence from Gdańsk, Poland
by Marcin Połom, Maciej Tarkowski, Krystian Puzdrakiewicz and Łukasz Dopierała
Energies 2020, 13(23), 6362; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13236362 - 2 Dec 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2541
Abstract
Reducing emissions of pollutants from transport is clearly one of the main challenges of the constantly developing world. Because the environmental impact of different means of transport is significant, it is necessary to cut down on fossil fuels and turn to more eco-friendly [...] Read more.
Reducing emissions of pollutants from transport is clearly one of the main challenges of the constantly developing world. Because the environmental impact of different means of transport is significant, it is necessary to cut down on fossil fuels and turn to more eco-friendly solutions, e.g., electric vehicles. Almost all European countries are now adapting their transport policies to this new paradigm. Nonetheless, due to large economic disparities, these processes are currently at different levels of implementation in Western and Eastern Europe. The main focus is on private electric cars and more traditional means of transport, rather than water trams. This article presents possible means of developing water tram lines in Gdańsk served by hybrid or full-electric vehicles. The analysis presented herein reflects the multidimensional nature of the issue. The article provides data on the socio-economic situation in the city, technical issues related to the implementation of such tram lines, and the possible consequences of introducing a new means of transportation into the existing system. A key part of the analysis is the identification of anticipated economic and environmental consequences of introducing both hybrid and full-electric vehicles into the system. A comprehensive socio-economic and technical-environmental analysis of the possibilities of developing urban electromobility in the form of urban passenger shipping in post-communist countries, such as that presented in this paper, has not been previously published. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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21 pages, 33475 KiB  
Article
Lessons from Implementing a Metropolitan Electric Bike Sharing System
by Tomasz Bieliński, Łukasz Dopierała, Maciej Tarkowski and Agnieszka Ważna
Energies 2020, 13(23), 6240; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13236240 - 26 Nov 2020
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 4794
Abstract
Electrically assisted bicycles are anticipated to become an effective tool to limit not only the use of cars in cities but also their negative impact on health, the environment, and passenger transportation in cities. In this paper, we examine the effects of implementing [...] Read more.
Electrically assisted bicycles are anticipated to become an effective tool to limit not only the use of cars in cities but also their negative impact on health, the environment, and passenger transportation in cities. In this paper, we examine the effects of implementing the first fully electric bike (e-bike) sharing system in the Metropolitan Area of Gdańsk–Gdynia–Sopot in Northern Poland, where no other bike sharing system had been introduced before. The aims of this article were to determine the impact of the new e-bike sharing system on the modal choice of citizens, identify barriers to its usage, and find differences between the usage of the system in the core of the metropolitan area and in the suburbs. We used two primary data sets: the survey data collected using the computer-assisted personal interviewing technique (CAPI technique) and the data automatically acquired from the website that monitored the system activities. We performed the analysis by using nonparametric tests and correspondence analysis. We found no evidence suggesting that e-bike sharing can replace large number of private car trips, but we found it likely to be competitive to carsharing, moped, and taxi services. E-bike sharing competes also with public transportation services, but it is also used as the first/last mile of the transportation supplementing public transport system. The major barrier to using this system in central cities of the metropolitan area was the lack of available public bikes, and possession of private bicycles, whereas for residents of the suburbs, the obstacles were the need to transport children, the high price of the bicycle rental/subscription, and the long distance to the docking stations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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Review

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23 pages, 15415 KiB  
Review
Analysis of Fire Hazards Associated with the Operation of Electric Vehicles in Enclosed Structures
by Adam Dorsz and Mirosław Lewandowski
Energies 2022, 15(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15010011 - 21 Dec 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 10826
Abstract
The article discusses the analysis of the possible development of hazards associated with the operation of vehicles equipped with an electric drive using the example of passenger cars. The authors review the problem of the safety of people and property resulting from the [...] Read more.
The article discusses the analysis of the possible development of hazards associated with the operation of vehicles equipped with an electric drive using the example of passenger cars. The authors review the problem of the safety of people and property resulting from the occurrence of a fire in an electric passenger car, in the context of fires that have occurred in recent years. Particular attention was paid to the analysis of the state of knowledge concerning the characteristics of the fire progression in an electric car, its heat release rate curve [HRR], total heat release [THR], heat of combustion and factors affecting the fire progression. In this paper, an attempt was made to compare the fire characteristics of an electric car and a passenger car equipped with an internal combustion engine together with an estimation, using CFD simulations, of the impact on the safety of people and property in closed structures such as underground garages or road tunnels. The need for further development of research on electric cars equipped with large lithium-ion batteries in the context of their fire safety is indicated. The authors pay attention to the insufficient amount of data available to understand the fire characteristics of modern electric cars, which would enable the appropriate design of fire safety systems in building structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends in the Development of Electric Vehicle)
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