Comparison of the Atmospheric Burden Reductions Based on Alternative Fuel Infrastructure and Operations: Utilization and Vehicle Category

The extensive availability of electricity and hydrogen in Texas provides enormous potential for adopting alternative energy for transportation. The operational phase of alternative energy infrastructure is an essential element in its environmental impact assessment and has not been evaluated up to this point, especially in terms of its utilization and vehicle mix. This study aims to evaluate the environmental impacts of alternative energy options, including fast/slow electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling at charging/refueling stations. The AFLEET Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Emissions Tool was used to analyze the burden reductions in life cycle GHGs and air pollutants. The station operation considered infrastructure type, utilization, and vehicle mix (LDVs and HDVs). High utilization of the station yielded more burden reductions. Fast-charging supply equipment resulted in higher GHG burden reductions compared to the slow counterpart (367% in moderate utilization). Elevated burden reductions were observed in GHGs, VOC, and CO pollutants with more LDVs. There was an increase in NOx burden reductions of approximately 5200 lb. (moderate utilization), while transiting from 100% LDV to 75% LDV. Increased burden reductions were noted in particulate matter for 50% LDV. Also, enhanced burden reductions were observed in SOx with more HDVs for EVs and equal vehicle mix in hydrogen. Increased GHG burden reductions were identified in SMR than electrolysis. These results recommend policy makers focus on maximized utilization of the new or existing infrastructure to reduce environmental loads.