SAE Update - March 2023 - 9

An alternative blueprint for light-duty
transportation decarbonization
COMMENTARY
ongoing debate over the
California grid's (in)ability to
power an all-EV fleet). At the
same time, as the grid becomes
cleaner, the preferred technology
choices in each state will be reevaluated
and updated.
Granted, it's simpler to craft
policy that pushes the entire
country's vehicle technology in
the same direction. This
approach may also be easier for
automakers and car dealers.
However, the problem we're
trying to solve-climate change-
is too complex to have a simple
or easy answer. We must reduce
GHGs as fast as possible, and
that means implementing the
most effective solution today for
each region and revising that
solution as technology evolves.
The alternate blueprint will
ensure that this happens through
a combination of batteries,
engines, and sustainable fuels. n
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelly Senecal is an SAE Fellow, an owner of
Convergent Science, and a visiting
professor at the University of Oxford. He is
the co-author of the book Racing Toward
Zero: The Untold Story of Driving Green,
and a keynote speaker at the 2023 SAE
International WCX World Congress
Experience in Detroit, April 18-20.
UPDATE
AN ALTERNATE LIGHT-DUTY BLUEPRINT
1. Evaluate on a state-by-state basis which vehicle
powertrain option has the lowest GHG impact,
determined by an LCA analysis over a range of
assumptions. This can be done, for example,
through a National Academies study such as the
one proposed by Johnson and Senecal, SAE
Update, 2022. An example for a Kia Niro small
SUV/crossover vehicle is shown in the map on
page 6.
2. Roll out incentives in each state based on the
vehicle powertrain type that produces the lowest
GHGs. Also consider incentives by vehicle size
(encouraging smaller vehicles when/where it
makes sense). By promoting a combination of
hybrids and EVs, we will use battery resources
much more efficiently than if we convert the
entire fleet to electric vehicles. This is especially
important as resource bottlenecks have been
identified throughout the supply chain.
3. Ramp up charging infrastructure in the states
where the study supports it.
4. Reduce the fossil fuel content in liquid fuels through
policy measures such as the Next Generation Fuels
Act. The need for low-carbon/sustainable fuels is
unassailable given the vast existing fleet.
5. Determine federal funding for batteries, engines,
and fuels in proportion to our nation's projected
needs for each technology.
6. Revamp GHG regulations for cars and trucks
based on the suggestions of Johnson and
Senecal, SAE Update, 2022.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 periodically (e.g., every five
years)
March 2023
9

https://www.sae.org/publications/books/content/r-501/ https://www.sae.org/publications/books/content/r-501/ https://wcx.sae.org/program/smart-city/session?EVT_NAME=AE103&GROUP_CD=TSESS&SCHED_NUM=339138&tab=sessionDetails&REQUEST_TYPE=SESSION_DETAILS https://wcx.sae.org/program/smart-city/session?EVT_NAME=AE103&GROUP_CD=TSESS&SCHED_NUM=339138&tab=sessionDetails&REQUEST_TYPE=SESSION_DETAILS

SAE Update - March 2023

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