Electrification potential of Small ICE Powertrain Applications

The reduction of the CO2 footprint of transport vehicles is a major challenge to minimize the harmful impact of technology on the environment. Besides passenger cars and light and heavy-duty vehicles, this affects also the two-wheeler category and the non-road mobile machinery (NRMM). One promising path for the de-carbonisation is the transition from fossil-fuel powered ICE powertrains to electric powertrains. Several examples of electrified powertrains showcase possibilities for small hand-held powertools or small mopeds and scooters. As the powertrain categories two-wheeler and NRMM are very diversified and consist of various sub-categories and sub-classes with many different applications, the feasibility of electrification for the whole category cannot be judged by few examples. In this publication a methodology for assessing the electrification potential of small NRMM and two-wheelers is shown. The method uses 4 different factors, which determine the feasibility for electrification in terms of electrification potential in a range from zero to one, were zero means in no application cases the addressed sub-type of NRMM or two-wheeler can be electrified and one means in all application cases an electrification is feasible. The factors are grid connection, battery installation, battery capacity, and a factor for special application demands like low temperature operation. All factors are evaluated for various sub-categories and multiplied for the overall electrification potential. Two technology scenarios for 2024, 2030 and 2050 are considered, a conservative one with modest technology progress and a progressive one with higher technology progress. The electrification potential is evaluated on a pure technological base without consideration of consumer behaviour, legislative regulations or company strategies. In the publication, the methodology is explained in detail including the necessary input data and the assessment is performed for several examples. Results show that there is a big variety of the electrification potential even within the same sub-class like chain-saw due to different power demand of different applications. Therefore, for the assessment of electrification potential, the possible applications of one and the same tool or vehicle class must be considered.