Christian-Simon Ernst

Battery Sizing for Serial Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles: A Model-Based Economic Analysis for Germany

The battery size of a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is decisive for the pure electrical range of the vehicle and crucial for the cost-effectiveness of this particular vehicle concept. Based on the energy consumption of a conventional reference car and a PHEV, we introduce a comprehensive total cost of ownership model for the average car user in Germany for both vehicle types. The model takes into account the purchase price, fixed annual costs and variable operating costs. The amortization time of a PHEV also depends on the recharging strategy (once a day, once a night, after each trip), the battery size as well as the battery costs. We find that PHEVs with a 4 kWh battery and at current lithium-ion battery prices reach the break-even point after about six years (five years when using the lower night-time electricity tariffs). With higher battery capacities the amortization time becomes significantly longer. Even with the small battery size and assuming the EU-15 electricity mix, a PHEV is found to emit only around 60% of the CO2 emissions of a comparable conventional car. Thus, with the PHEV concept a cost-effective introduction of electric mobility and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions per vehicle can be reached.

Development of a battery electric vehicle sector in North-West Europe: challenges and strategies

Electric propulsion is a technological alternative to the internal combustion engine. However, the transition to electric propulsion represents a considerable challenge. The European Network on Electric Vehicles and Transferring Expertise (ENEVATE) has undertaken an analysis of the supply chain for the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in North-West Europe to identify the challenges and develop strategies for a strong BEV sector. A production structure analysis, make or buy analysis, value-add analysis, white spot analysis and competitor analysis were conducted in that context. It was found that North-West Europe has a good potential for the development of a healthy BEV sector owing to its innovative automotive industry, strong financial background, flexible production lines and skilled workers. However, without improvements in the level of BEV production, Research and Development (R&D) investments, infrastructure and market share, these advantages are not necessarily sufficient for the region to be a leader in the global BEV industry.

Energy demand assessment of electrified drivetrains in material extraction and system manufacturing

The increasing electrification of the drivetrain implicates the demand for an holistic evaluation of their primary energy consumption. While numerous studies already address the use phase of vehicles, this study focuses on the raw material extraction as well as on the manufacturing processes of all drivetrain components. The key outcome of this study is a detailed overview of the material composition and the corresponding energy demand for the material extraction and production phase of electrified drivetrains. In addition, strategic opportunities to reduce the future energy demand are discussed by focussing on the identified key parameters.

Implikationen der neuen CO2- Gesetzgebung für schwere Nutzfahrzeuge im Fernverkehr

Vor dem Hintergrund eines weltweit zunehmenden Energiebedarfs, der Entwicklungen im Transportsektor und der Knappheit der Roholreserven sind die CO2-Emissionen der Industrie weltweit gestiegen. Der Anteil des Strasenguterverkehrs an den anthropogenen Emissionen lag im Jahr 2010 bei ca.