Development of a Model to Assess Sustainable Private Transport Alternatives in Bogota

Abstract

Currently, the world’s vehicle transportation system is based on the internal combustion engine, characterized by its ineffective use of energy and constant emission of polluting gases into the atmosphere, decreasing the quality of air and affecting the population and the environment. However, private transport offers alternative technologies that have both economic and environmental advantages capable of entering the national transportation system. The present article assesses and analyzes these alternatives for the private transport system in Bogota, based on a linear model. This model compares the emission of polluting and greenhouse gasses, energy consumption, autonomy and associated costs of four different technologies (electric, hybrid, hydrogen and conventional fuel cars) in order to highlight the most critical aspects of each technology and define the best alternative for potential buyers and a future model of private transport in the capital city. Results show that there are alternatives capable of decreasing the environmental and health impacts associated to the use of conventional vehicles; said options also have the potential to mitigate the dependence on price and availability of oil at a cost that supports the feasibility of a future technology transition