The modelling of electric vehicle driving cycles, usage patterns and an investigation of the environmental and economic impacts of electric vehicles

Abstract

The European Union has set a number of policy objectives to achieve a sustainable energy fiiture through measures to tackle climate change and to ensure energy security. Electricity as fuel for vehicle propulsion offers the possibility to substitute fossil fuels with a wide diversity of primary energy sources. Recognising the potential benefits of electric vehicles, governments worldwide have established clear deployment goals for electric vehicles and have introduced consumer incentives. These sustainable energy objectives are clearly reflected in Ireland with targets to have 10% of the private car fleet powered by electricity and to generate 40% electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020.