Evaluating technologies in automobile markets
by Alexander Roder, Socrates Kypreos, Alexander Wokaun
International Journal of Sustainable Development (IJSD), Vol. 6, No. 4, 2003

Abstract: A new approach has been developed for the comprehensive comparison of competing technologies. It combines two well-established tools: life-cycle assessment (LCA) and energy-engineering models (EEM). The approach has been applied to evaluate different car powertrains and fuels. The results show how the ranking of different technologies depends on assumptions and the value system of the decision-maker. Whereas conventional technologies and fuels dominate in a business-as-usual scenario, policies that take external costs into account foster alternative solutions. This is especially so for fuels from natural gas and biofuels, and the fuel cell powertrain is also favoured under these circumstances. The new approach of combining LCA and EEM has proved its usefulness for the support of decision-making. Nonetheless, limitations that could be overcome by further development become apparent, and are elaborated herein.

Online publication date: Mon, 10-May-2004

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Sustainable Development (IJSD):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com