Beyond Gasoline: A Comparative Study of E85 and Electric Shuttle Alternatives
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
In Person or Zoom Presentation
In-Person
Campus
Daytona Beach
Status
Student
Presentation Description/Abstract
Transportation systems on university campuses play a vital role in achieving sustainability and carbon neutrality goals. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERAU) Daytona Beach campus operates a shuttle service designed to transport students efficiently between the main campus, residential complexes, and the MicaPlex. The current gasoline internal combustion shuttle fleet contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, highlighting the need for cleaner and more efficient propulsion systems. This study compares the cost, emissions, and viability of transitioning the current gasoline-driven fleet to E85 or electric to further the university’s commitment to sustainable development. Through a literature review of fleet adoption studies, regional fuel availability analysis, and lifecycle comparisons of E85, gasoline, and electric vehicles using ERAU’s shuttle routes to model operational performance and energy use, this study examines viable strategies for advancing sustainable and resilient transportation on campus. Evaluation metrics included vehicle fuel compatibility, infrastructure requirements for powering electric vehicles, fuel sourcing, and emissions output data. Findings indicate that E85 and electric powered vehicles can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions significantly, though such reductions may come with higher initial infrastructure and vehicle costs. The benefits of both E85 and electric adoption include reduced dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse emissions across the operating lifecycle of the fleet. Ultimately, this study provides a framework for transitioning campus transportation toward cleaner energy systems, paving the way for greater environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability at Embry-Riddle.
Keywords
E85 Fuel, Ethanol, Electric Vehicles, Shuttles, Biofuel, Emissions, Campus Transit, Alternative Fuel
Beyond Gasoline: A Comparative Study of E85 and Electric Shuttle Alternatives
Transportation systems on university campuses play a vital role in achieving sustainability and carbon neutrality goals. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERAU) Daytona Beach campus operates a shuttle service designed to transport students efficiently between the main campus, residential complexes, and the MicaPlex. The current gasoline internal combustion shuttle fleet contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, highlighting the need for cleaner and more efficient propulsion systems. This study compares the cost, emissions, and viability of transitioning the current gasoline-driven fleet to E85 or electric to further the university’s commitment to sustainable development. Through a literature review of fleet adoption studies, regional fuel availability analysis, and lifecycle comparisons of E85, gasoline, and electric vehicles using ERAU’s shuttle routes to model operational performance and energy use, this study examines viable strategies for advancing sustainable and resilient transportation on campus. Evaluation metrics included vehicle fuel compatibility, infrastructure requirements for powering electric vehicles, fuel sourcing, and emissions output data. Findings indicate that E85 and electric powered vehicles can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions significantly, though such reductions may come with higher initial infrastructure and vehicle costs. The benefits of both E85 and electric adoption include reduced dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse emissions across the operating lifecycle of the fleet. Ultimately, this study provides a framework for transitioning campus transportation toward cleaner energy systems, paving the way for greater environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability at Embry-Riddle.