This monograph adresses the challenge of the environmental assessment of leightweight electric vehicles. It poses the question whether the use of lightweight materials in electric vehicles can reduce the vehicles’ environmental impact and compares the environmental performance of a lightweight electric vehicle (LEV) to other types of vehicles. The topical approach focuses on methods from life cycle assessment (LCA), and the book concludes with a comprehensive concept on the environmental assessment of LEVs. The target audience primarily comprises LCA practitioners from research institutes and industry, but it may also be beneficial for graduate students specializing in the field of environmental assessment.

This edited open access book gives a comprehensive overview of small and lightweight electric three- and four-wheel vehicles with an international scope. The present status of small electric vehicle (SEV) technologies, the market situation and main hindering factors for market success as well as options to attain a higher market share including new mobility concepts are highlighted. An increased usage of SEVs can have different impacts which are highlighted in the book in regard to sustainable transport, congestion, electric grid and transport-related potentials. To underline the effects these vehicles can have in urban areas or rural areas, several case studies are presented covering outcomes of pilot projects and studies in Europe. A study of the operation and usage in the Global South extends the scope to a global scale. Furthermore, several concept studies and vehicle concepts on the market give a more detailed overview and show the deployment in different applications.

The environmental burden caused by private transportation represents a significant challenge towards sustainability. Electric vehicles are considered a key technology to reduce the environmental impact caused by the mobility sector. However, the global adoption of electromobility implies shift and diversification of the environmental impacts caused by the transportation sector mainly driven by the production of the battery system. Modeling the life cycle environmental impacts of traction batteries is a time demanding and interdisciplinary task as it involves a high variability and requires an in-depth knowledge of the product system under analysis. To face these challenges, an Integrated Computational Life Cycle Engineering ICLCE framework for EVs has been developed. The ICLCE framework described aims at supporting fast and comprehensive modelling of complex foreground systems in the electromobility field and their interaction with diverse backgrounds and partial contexts.

This book presents the final report of the collaborative research project "MultiMaK2": MultiMaK2 contributed to the development of multi-material component concepts in large-scale automotive production. Whithin the project new methods in conceptual design of lightweight components were developed at the example of roof cross member and transmission tunnels. A concurrent Life Cycle Design & Engineering approach led to identifying eco- and cost efficient component alternatives. This includes evaluation tools for the concepts' full life cycle. Further, methods to integrate that knowledge into automotive engineering processes have been established based on principles of visual analytics. That brings forward a tight integration of data, engineering models and results visualization towards an informed knowledge building across disciplines. MultiMaK2 also compiled and structured design guidelines within a knowledge management system. All methods and tools have been embedded within the Life Cycle Design & Engineering Lab in the Open Hybrid LabFactory.

This book provides a comprehensive account of developments in the area of lightweight polymer composites. It encompasses design and manufacturing methods for the lightweight polymer structures, various techniques, and a broad spectrum of applications. The book highlights fundamental research in lightweight polymer structures and integrates various aspects from synthesis to applications of these materials. Features Serves as a one stop reference with contributions from leading researchers from industry, academy, government, and private research institutions across the globe Explores all important aspects of lightweight polymer composite structures Offers an update of concepts, advancements, challenges, and application of lightweight structures Current status, trends, future directions, and opportunities are discussed, making it friendly for both new and experienced researchers.

The electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle play a fundamental role in the forthcoming new paradigms of mobility and energy models. The electrification of the transport sector would lead to advantages in terms of energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but would also be a great opportunity for the introduction of renewable sources in the electricity sector. The chapters in this book show a diversity of current and new developments in the electrification of the transport sector seen from the electric vehicle point of view: first, the related technologies with design, control and supervision, second, the powertrain electric motor efficiency and reliability and, third, the deployment issues regarding renewable sources integration and charging facilities. This is precisely the purpose of this book, that is, to contribute to the literature about current research and development activities related to new trends in electric vehicle power trains.

Non-Exhaust Emissions: An Urban Air Quality Problem for Public Health comprehensively summarizes the most recent research in the field, also giving guidance on research gaps and future needs to evaluate the health impact and possible remediation of non-exhaust particle emissions. With contributions from some of the major experts and stakeholders in air quality, this book comprehensively defines the state-of-the-art of current knowledge, gaps and future needs for a better understanding of particulate matter (PM) emissions, from non-exhaust sources of road traffic to improve public health. PM is a heterogeneous mix of chemical elements and sources, with road traffic being the major source in large cities. A significant part of these emissions come from non-exhaust processes, such as brake, tire, road wear, and road dust resuspension. While motor exhaust emissions have been successfully reduced by means of regulation, non-exhaust emissions are currently uncontrolled and their importance is destined to increase and become the dominant urban source of particle matter by 2020. Nevertheless, current knowledge on the non-exhaust emissions is still limited. This is an essential book to researchers and advanced students from a broad range of disciplines, such as public health, toxicology, atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences, atmospheric chemistry and physics, geochemistry, epidemiology, built environment, road and vehicle engineering, and city planning. In addition, European and local authorities responsible for air quality and those in the industrial sectors related to vehicle and brake manufacturing and technological remediation measures will also find the book valuable. - Acts as the first book to explore the health impacts of non-exhaust emissions - Authored by experts from several sectors, including academia, industry and policy - Gathers the relevant body of literature and information, defining the current knowledge, gaps and future needs

This book explores the part that electric vehicles can play in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Further, it explains the impact of public support, technological advances, lower costs and better battery performance in making electric vehicles a viable alternative. The book begins by analyzing the international context of electric vehicles and how they are being developed in different countries, and by offering a forecast of the electricity demand they may create. It then discusses technological innovations in electric vehicle recharging systems. The book is concerned not only with the economic potential of electric vehicles, but also with environmental aspects; consequently, it examines the raw materials supply chain and performs a lifecycle assessment. The book concludes with a chapter on alternative energies in transport, which may also help to facilitate the energy transition. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable resource for researchers, graduate students, policymakers and industry professionals interested in the energy transition and transport.

The book presents the results of the research project Fleets Go Green from different engineering disciplines. It includes comprehensive empirical data as well as different methods and tools for evaluating and integrating electric vehicles into corporate fleets. Finally, the authors give recommendations for fleet owners, vehicle manufacturers and political decision. The aim of the joint research project Fleets Go Green was the integrated analysis and evaluation of the environmental performance of electric and plug-in-hybrid vehicles in everyday usage on the example of fleet operations. The potential of electric vehicles for reducing the harmful environmental impacts of road transport in everyday conditions can only be analyzed and evaluated in field tests. If electric vehicles should realize their potential to reduce emissions and minimize the consumption of resources, an integrated life cycle assessment is required.

The automotive industry is under constant pressure to design vehicles capable of meeting increasingly demanding challenges such as improved fuel economy, enhanced safety and effective emission control. Drawing on the knowledge of leading experts, Advanced materials in automotive engineering explores the development, potential and impact of using such materials.Beginning with a comprehensive introduction to advanced materials for vehicle lightweighting and automotive applications, Advanced materials in automotive engineering goes on to consider nanostructured steel for automotive body structures, aluminium sheet and high pressure die-cast aluminium alloys for automotive applications, magnesium alloys for lightweight powertrains and automotive bodies, and polymer and composite moulding technologies. The final chapters then consider a range of design and manufacturing issues that need to be addressed when working with advanced materials, including the design of advanced automotive body structures and closures, technologies for reducing noise, vibration and harshness, joining systems, and the recycling of automotive materials.With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Advanced materials in automotive engineering is an invaluable guide for all those involved in the engineering, design or analysis of motor vehicle bodies and components, as well as all students of automotive design and engineering. - Explores the development, potential and impact of using advanced materials for improved fuel economy, enhanced safety and effective mission control in the automotive industry - Provides a comprehensive introduction to advanced materials for vehicle lightweighting and automotive applications - Covers a range of design ideas and manufacturing issues that arise when working with advanced materials, including technologies for reducing noise, vibration and harshness, and the recycling of automotive materials