Synergistic effects and optimal control strategies of air pollutant and carbon emission reduction from mobile sources

In the global effort to mitigate air pollution and combat climate change, reducing emissions from mobile sources is crucial for addressing PM 2.5 and O3 3 pollution as well as achieving carbon reduction goals. This study addresses the challenge of balancing environmental and economic objectives within the constraints of pollution control and carbon peak targets. The primary aim was to estimate the synergistic effects of reducing pollutants and carbon emissions while understanding the nonlinear responses of air quality to these reductions. To achieve this, a nonlinear optimization model was developed to minimize economic costs while optimizing mobile source pollutant and carbon reduction. Key findings include that upgrading emission standards significantly reduces pollutants, but does not impact CO2 2 levels directly. Conversely, electrification nearly eliminates pollutants from vehicles and achieves an 18.3% reduction in CO2 2 emissions from a lifecycle perspective. The study quantifies the substantial contribution of mobile sources to PM 2.5 (30.1%-50.6%) and O3 3 (42.9%-52.5%), with regional variations showing even higher local contributions. The optimized control scheme is projected to limit CO2 2 emissions increase to less than 1.75% by 2030, while reducing PM 2.5 and O3 3 concentrations by 46%-61% and 21%- 68%, respectively. These emission reduction achievements are basically in line with the regional pollution control goals. Economically, fuel-saving strategies offer significant cost benefits and synergistic reductions in both pollutants and carbon emissions. Effective control of NOx, a key precursor to PM 2.5 and O3, 3 , is essential, especially in non-road and diesel vehicles. Adjustments in transportation structure also provide a viable reduction strategy, albeit constrained by certain regional factors. The study underscores the expanding potential of technological advancements and clean power supplies to enhance pollutant and carbon reduction efforts, contributing to future carbon neutrality goals. This research fills a gap in understanding the balance between economic feasibility and environmental impact, offering a reference for developing differentiated management strategies and planning for mobile sources under carbon peak and coordinated pollution control objectives.