ESYN

ESYN explores the role of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and synthetic fuels in reducing carbon emissions in passenger road transport (cars, scooters or minibuses) within Africa. The research, financed by the ETH Future Mobility Research Program, involves creating a system-dynamics numerical model to investigate the competition between BEVs and internal combustion engines (ICEs), accounting for both existing vehicle fleets and the flow of new and used vehicles. To do so, it is necessary to evaluate the viability of direct electrification, both centralized and decentralized, and the appeal of commercial-scale synthetic fuels in the future. The study will also evaluate the infrastructure requirements for these technologies, including associated costs and feasibility. Furthermore, the project will analyze how policy interventions influence transition strategies and anticipated outcomes. This research aims to provide critical insights for local policymakers and industry stakeholders as well as development banks. By examining factors like vehicle ownership trends, financing costs, purchasing behaviors, infrastructure needs, environmental consequences, and links between transportation and the energy system, the project will support informed decision-making.

A core task of PSI’s Technology Assessment Group involves developing and refining environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) models. These models will play a crucial role in estimating greenhouse gas emissions, abatement costs, and other environmental impacts associated with a variety of fuel supply pathways and vehicle technologies. The group's work is particularly tailored to address the unique energy and transportation challenges faced by African countries, ensuring that the assessments are relevant to regional contexts and provide actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders.