Low-Carbon Transportation Systems
Expert-defined terms from the Certified Professional in Climate Investment Planning course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Alternative Fuels** #
Fuels that can be used in place of traditional fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and decrease dependence on non-renewable resources. Examples include biodiesel, electricity, hydrogen, natural gas, and propane.
**Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)** #
Vehicles that are powered solely by electricity stored in rechargeable batteries, with zero tailpipe emissions. BEVs are charged from an external electrical power source.
**Carbon Footprint** #
The total amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) produced to directly and indirectly support human activities, usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). In the context of transportation, it refers to the GHG emissions generated by vehicles and supporting infrastructure.
**Carbon Pricing** #
A market-based approach to reduce GHG emissions by introducing a financial cost for emitting CO2 or other GHGs. It can be implemented through a carbon tax, cap-and-trade system, or emissions trading scheme.
**Combined Heat and Power (CHP)** #
Also known as cogeneration, CHP is an efficient, clean, and reliable approach to generating power and thermal energy from a single fuel source. By installing CHP systems at or near the point of use, businesses and communities can reduce their energy costs, increase their operational efficiency, and decrease their carbon footprint.
**Decarbonization** #
The process of reducing or eliminating carbon emissions, particularly from energy production and transportation, to mitigate climate change.
**Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)** #
Infrastructure used to charge electric vehicles (EVs), including charging stations and wall-mounted charging units.
**Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)** #
Vehicles that use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, which in turn powers an electric motor. FCEVs emit only water vapor as exhaust.
**Greenhouse Gas (GHG)** #
Gases in Earth's atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), that trap heat and contribute to global warming and climate change.
**Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)** #
Vehicles that combine a gasoline or diesel engine with an electric motor and battery, allowing them to switch between or combine power sources to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
**Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)** #
Advanced technologies that can be applied to transportation systems to improve safety, mobility, and efficiency. ITS includes technologies such as adaptive traffic control, real-time traffic information, and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication.
**Life #
Cycle Assessment (LCA)**: A method used to evaluate the environmental impact of a product or system throughout its entire life span, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal or recycling.
**Light #
Duty Vehicles**: Passenger cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), vans, and pickup trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds or less.
**Low #
Carbon Fuels**: Fuels with a lower carbon intensity than traditional fossil fuels, such as biodiesel, renewable diesel, and cellulosic ethanol.
**Microgrid** #
A localized group of electricity sources and loads that normally operates connected to the traditional grid but can also function autonomously.
**Plug #
In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)**: Vehicles that combine a gasoline or diesel engine with an electric motor and battery, allowing them to drive solely on electric power for short distances. PHEVs can be charged from an external electrical power source.
**Renewable Energy** #
Energy generated from sources that are naturally replenished and virtually inexhaustible, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power.
**Smart Grid** #
An electrical grid that uses digital communication technology to detect and respond to local changes in electricity supply and demand, enabling better integration of renewable energy resources and more efficient use of electricity.
**Sustainable Transportation** #
A system of transport that does not rely on non-renewable resources and minimizes negative environmental impacts, while still meeting the needs of society.
**Transit #
Oriented Development (TOD)**: A type of urban development that maximizes the amount of residential, business, and leisure space within walking distance of public transport. TOD aims to increase public transport ridership by reducing the use of private cars and promoting sustainable urban growth.
**Vehicle #
to-Grid (V2G)**: A system that allows electric vehicles to communicate with the power grid to sell excess electricity back to the grid or charge during off-peak hours, helping to balance supply and demand.
**Vehicle #
to-Vehicle (V2V) Communication**: A system that allows vehicles to communicate with each other to exchange information about speed, location, and direction, improving safety and traffic efficiency.
**Vehicle Lightweighting** #
The process of reducing a vehicle's weight through the use of lightweight materials, such as aluminum, composites, and high-strength steel, to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
**Voltage Optimization** #
A technology that stabilizes and optimizes the voltage supplied to electrical equipment, reducing energy consumption and extending the life of equipment.
**Zero #
Emission Vehicles (ZEVs)**: Vehicles that emit no tailpipe pollutants, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).