An ethical assessment of low carbon vehicles using cost benefit analysis

Abstract

Global concerns about climate change, as confirmed at COP21, have led to lower carbon emissions environmental policies, particularly in the road transport sector. Through an empirical analysis of Low Carbon Vehicle (LCV) policies in California, this paper contrasts the findings from diverse distribution theories between income quintiles -used as a proxy for social groups -to address vertical equity concerns and offer an overview of impact distribution to policy makers. Thus, it contributes in operationalising ethical theories within transport Cost-Benefit Analysis and revisiting impact distribution when promoting low carbon vehicles. Findings indicate that manufacturer penalties are the most effective policy measure to avoid cost transfer between stakeholders. Yet, the analysis shows that those purchasing small LCVs may face disproportional vehicle purchase cost increases which needs to be considered by policy makers. Thus, this paper makes a methodological contribution regarding CBA in practice as well as providing policy relevant recommendations.

Carpooling and the Pan-European emergency call "eCall 112": Connected cars and their potential for environmental and transport policy

“…The effectiveness of transport sector instruments to further improve ambient air quality via threshold legislation 1 is expected (Reuter, 2013) to decline unless transport volumes -number of vehicles, vehicle trips, or vehicle distance travelled [vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT) and vehicle miles travelled VMT)] -are reduced significantly. Although essential differences in the environmental impacts of diesel fuelled vehicles compared to petrol cars might deserve deeper (Cames and Helmers, 2013;Walton et al, 2015;Thomopoulos and Harrison, 2016;UBA and BMU, 2017;Klebaner, 2018; https://www.transportenvironment.org/publications/ citybans-are-spreading-europe;…”