Abstract |
Ricardo has been subcontracted by Perrin Quarles Associates, Inc. (PQA) under contract to the EPA to carry out an objective and scientific analysis of the influence of certain technology packages on automotive CO2 emissions and vehicle performance. The scope of the study was to determine the quantitative impact of technology combinations, or packages, when applied to baseline vehicles. The EPA selected the vehicle classes and the technology packages which were applied, as well as a baseline comparator vehicle for each class. Vehicle performance metrics were considered simultaneously with CO2 emissions in order to indicate the potential impact on consumer acceptability. Vehicle performance metrics were considered an important part of the study as these can significantly influence the desirability of a vehicle to car buyers. |