Research in the Vehicle Electrification Group focuses on the following thrust areas:
Life Cycle Implications
Plug-in vehicles use electricity from the power grid to partially or entirely offset the use of gasoline. As such, plug-in vehicles typically release fewer emissions in operation; however, emissions are released in the production of batteries and the production of electricity to charge the vehicle. In this research thrust we examine life cycle economic, environmental, and oil security implications of plug in vehicles.
Battery attributes, especially cost, are critical for determining whether plug-in vehicles can offer a realistic mass-market alternative to conventional and grid-independent hybrid vehicles. In this research thrust we develop battery technology, assess battery characteristics, and identify systems implications.
Performance of plug in vehicles depend on a number of systems issues, such as controls, thermal management, and powertrain system design. In this thrust area we examine systems issues and their implications.
Public policy alternatives intended to manage economic externalities (such as air pollution) and encourage adoption of fuel efficient and/or plug-in vehicles may have varying efficiency and create unintended consequences. In this thrust area we assess implications of alternative public policies for addressing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, petroleum consumption, and development and adoption of new technologies.