Taming transportation — Zero emissions at no increase in cost

Abstract

Climate change promises to exacerbate global inequalities since the true costs of carbon fuel fall on those who gain no benefit from the energy markets - those already in poverty. Early adopters of clean electric vehicles are relieving the environment of atmospheric carbon, but the sales of electric passenger cars in the US exceed battery electric truck sales by 100:1. Truck fleets dominate the energy sector having the largest source of transport greenhouse gas pollution. A concept for conserving medium-duty fleets by changing out the donor vehicle's combustion drive trains for battery electric traction has been designed and road tested for performance. For low mpg trucks, savings in fuel and maintenance costs can offset the investment in conversion labor and components. Commercial off-the-shelf components only call for conventional shop skillsets.