Comparative Analysis of COPERT and IVE Models in Road Transport Emission Assessment

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Department of Environmental Technologies, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Air pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges worldwide, with road transport identified as one of the primary contributors to harmful emissions. Within the European Union, road transport accounts for 40.3% of total NOx emissions and 16.5% of PM2.5 emissions, demonstrating its significant impact on air quality. Accurate modeling of vehicular emissions is a fundamental step toward effective air quality management, identifying pollution sources, and formulating targeted mitigation strategies. This study conducts a detailed comparative analysis of two widely used emission models, COPERT and IVE, focusing on their performance under varying regional contexts, levels of data availability, and specific emission-related tasks. Key aspects such as model accuracy, usability, input data sensitivity, and policy assessment applicability are critically evaluated. The rationale for selecting these two models lies in their extensive application in European and non-European regions, offering a unique perspective on their adaptability and limitations in diverse scenarios. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of COPERT and IVE, this work provides practical guidance for their optimal use in emission inventories, policy evaluations, and reduction strategy designs. The findings aim to bridge the gap between theoretical modeling approaches and real-world applications, equipping environmental managers and policymakers with actionable insights to enhance air pollution control measures and protect public health.

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