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Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

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VISION Model

The VISION model has been developed to provide estimates of the potential energy use, oil use, and carbon emission impacts of advanced light- and heavy-duty vehicle technologies and alternative fuels through the year 2050. The model consists of two Excel workbooks: a Base Case of U.S. highway fuel use and carbon emissions to 2050, as well as a copy of the Base Case that can be modified to reflect alternative assumptions about advanced vehicles and alternative fuel market penetration.

This tool will help achieve the goal of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Estimation Technique

The estimation procedure involves estimating the potential energy use, oil use and carbon emission impacts from transportation. It does this by looking at a range of factors that affect these things, such as the number of vehicles on the road, the type of vehicles being used and the distances traveled. This information is then used to create an estimate of how much energy would be used, how much oil would be consumed, and how many emissions would be produced if all travel was carried out using the most efficient means possible. This provides a useful benchmark against which to compare actual energy use, oil consumption, and emissions.
The VISION model is regularly updated with new data and revisions to its methodology so that it is always providing the most accurate and up-to-date information possible.