Several hybrid regression models that predict hot stabilized vehicle fuel consumption and emission rates for light-duty vehicles and light-duty trucks are presented in this paper. Key input variables to these models are instantaneous vehicle speed and acceleration measurements. The energy and emission models described in this paper utilize data collected at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) that included fuel consumption and emission rate measurements (CO, HC, and ${\mathrm{NO}}_x)$ for five light-duty vehicles and three light-duty trucks as a function of the vehicle’s instantaneous speed and acceleration levels. The fuel consumption and emission models are found to be highly accurate as compared to the ORNL data, with coefficients of determination ranging from 0.92 to 0.99. Given that the models utilize the vehicle’s instantaneous speed and acceleration levels as independent variables, these models are capable of evaluating the environmental impacts of operational-level projects including intelligent transportation systems. The models developed in this study have been incorporated within the INTEGRATION microscopic traffic simulation model to further demonstrate their application and relevance to the transportation profession. Furthermore, these models have been utilized in conjunction with global positioning system speed measurements to evaluate the energy and environmental impacts of operational-level projects in the field.

The paper compares the MOBILE5a, MOBILE6, Virginia Tech microscopic energy and emission model (VT-Micro), and comprehensive modal emissions model (CMEM) models for estimating hot-stabilized, light-duty vehicle emissions. Specifically, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laboratory fuel consumption and emission databases are used for model comparisons. The comparisons demonstrate that CMEM exhibits some abnormal behaviors when compared with the ORNL data, EPA data, and the VT-Micro model estimates. Specifically, carbon monoxide (CO) emissions exhibit abrupt changes at low speeds and high acceleration levels and constant emissions at negative acceleration levels. Furthermore, oxides of nitrogen (NO_x) emissions exhibit abrupt drops at high engine loads. In addition, the study demonstrates that MOBILE5a emission estimates compare poorly with EPA field data, while MOBILE6 model estimates show consistency with EPA field data and VT-Micro model estimates over various driving cycles. The VT-Micro model appears to be accurate in estimating hot-stabilized, light-duty, normal vehicle tailpipe emissions. Specifically, the emission estimates of the VT-Micro and MOBILE6 models are consistent in trends with laboratory measurements. Furthermore, the VT-Micro and MOBILE6 models accurately capture emission increases for aggressive acceleration drive cycles in comparison with other drive cycles.Key words: transportation energy, transportation environmental impacts, VT-Micro Model, CMEM, MOBILE5, MOBILE6, fuel consumption models, emission models.