Evaluation of numerical models for simulation of real-world hot-stabilized fuel consumption and emissions of gasoline light-duty vehicles.

The use of numerical models for estimating fuel consumption and emission of HC, CO, NOx and CO2 of gasoline vehicles, under urban driving conditions, is examined. Three models were selected for evaluation: EcoGest, CMEM and ADVISOR. The models were used to simulate a sample of 14 urban trips for two 1999 Ford Taurus vehicles. Trip statistics were monitored on-board of the passenger vehicles across a variety of traffic conditions, using a portable emissions measurement device (PEMS). A key conclusion is that the tested models can be used with relatively high confidence to predict fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. However, results must be viewed with greater caution when it comes to predictions for other pollutants. (A) "Reprinted with permission from Elsevier".