Total life-cycle cost analysis of conventional and alternative fueled vehicles

Total life-cycle cost (TLCC) analysis can indicate whether paying higher capital costs for advanced technology with low operating and environmental costs is advantageous over paying lower capital costs for conventional technology with higher operating and environment costs. A TLCC model that was developed to facilitate consideration of the various factors involved in both individual and societal policy decision making is summarized. The model considers capital, operating, salvage, and environmental costs for cars, vans, and buses using conventional and alternative fuels. The model has been developed to operate on a personal computer platform using a commercial spreadsheet program.<>