Comparison of the Energy Consumption and Exhaust Emissions between Hybrid and Conventional Vehicles, as Well as Electric Vehicles Fitted with a Range Extender

Abstract

The introduction of new Euro exhaust emission standards and CO2 limits has forced carmakers to implement alternative hybrid and electric powertrains. We are observing a dynamic advancement of this sector. The authors’ primary motivation was to perform a series of measurements of the exhaust emissions and fuel mileages from vehicles fitted with hybrid, conventional and electric (range extender) powertrains. Three vehicles were used in the research project. The first one was a passenger car with a full hybrid powertrain. The vehicle was fitted with a 1.6 dm3 spark ignition engine. The second one was fitted with a 2.2 dm3 diesel engine. The third one was fitted with a 125 kW electric motor and a 28 kW combustion engine used as a range extender. The investigations were carried out according to the RDE (Real Driving Emission) methodology on a test route composed of urban, rural and highway portions. The test route was set in the Poznan agglomeration, and its distance was approx. 80 km. For the measurements, the authors used SEMTECH-DS from the PEMS (Portable Emissions Measurement System) equipment group. Based on the obtained results, the authors validated the test route in terms of the RDE compliance and determined the exhaust emissions and fuel mileages. The authors also analyzed the influence of the conditions of the measurements on the powertrain characteristics of each of the tested vehicles.