Improvements in the representation of behavior in integrated energy and transport models

The inclusion of sociological aspects, as human behavior related to transportation, in energy–economy–environment (E3) models may enable an inclusive representation of the system under analysis, thus providing a more likely representation of reality. This article presents a review of integrated energy and transport models characterized by a detailed description of the passenger transport sector and by the presence of transport behavioral features.

First, we propose a working taxonomy based on the level of integration of the energy and transport sectors. As the study underlines, a high level of integration is a precondition for incorporating the consumer behavior related to purchase decisions and use of transport technologies in energy and transport models.

Second, we identify and review the recurring behavioral features related to transport included in current integrated energy and transport models: technology choice, modal choice, driving pattern, and new mobility trends. The main contribution of the paper resides in analyzing the modeling methodologies adopted in the literature to incorporate behavioral features in transport and in examining opportunities and challenges of each of them.

We draw recommendations on model structure and relevant attributes to consider in relation to consumers’ choices in transportation.