The effect of electric roads on future energy demand for transportation

Abstract

This thesis centers on the technology Electric road systems (ERS), which aims to solve the current range issue with electric vehicles by continually supplying vehicles in motion with energy. The aim of the thesis is to provide a thorough system description of ERS, and to investigate how a potential implementation of the technology will affect energy use and CO2 emissions in the transport sector in Sweden. The effects of an implementation of ERS was done through a case study using an hourly traffic pattern model for route E4 between Stockholm-Jönköping. The model showed that implementing an ERS on the investigated route with current traffic levels and assuming a 100% vehicle connection would electrify 4% of the annual traffic volume in Sweden, with an energy demand of 1.55 TWh/year and would decrease the CO2 emission by approximately 1 Mton CO2/year. Comparing the ERS with a diesel system, the total energy demand of the road will decrease by 1.66 TWh/year, which corresponds to 48% of the yearly energy demand for the route and 2% of the total yearly energy demand in the Swedish transport sector. The mitigated CO2 emissions correspond to a 5.3% national yearly decrease compared to the current transport system. Heavy vehicles required 66% of the aforementioned energy demand and were responsible for 50% of the resulting CO2 emission mitigation, while only comprising 15% of the traffic load on the road compared to light vehicles. The consequences of implementing ERS are also compared to environmental goals and visions set by the Swedish government concerning the future development of the transport system for the years 2030 and 2045.