The Impact of Traffic Intensity on the Performance and Efficiency of Hybrid Vehicles
Traffic congestion in cities is one of the key challenges of modern mobility, affecting both vehicle efficiency and driver comfort. The ability to utilize two types of propulsion—electric and internal combustion—as well as regenerative braking gives hybrid vehicles significant potential to achieve lower emissions of harmful particulate and gaseous compounds in exhaust gases compared to conventional vehicles. However, the actual impact of congestion on their energy efficiency and emissions remains insufficiently studied. Standardized test cycles, such as WLTP and NEDC, do not fully reflect the dynamics of driving in traffic jams, highlighting the need for analysis based on real-world speed profiles and simulations of advanced hybrid vehicle models. The aim of this study is to quantitatively assess how different levels of traffic congestion affect key parameters of hybrid vehicles, such as fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. The results could provide valuable insights for powertrain designers and policymakers seeking to improve urban transport efficiency.
Topic: Hybrid and electric powertrains
Author: Adriana Skuza
Co-authors: dr inż. Emilia Szumska dr hab. inż. Rafał Jurecki, prof. PŚK
