Keep it or replace it? Car replacement decisions in a changing energy system

By Romain Sacchi on 11/12/2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. in 1611 Titan Dr., Rantoul, IL 61866

Join Romain Sacchi, environmental scientist and researcher in the Technology Assessment group at the Paul Scherrer Institute, as he presents via Zoom at the Fall 2026 Kent Seminar Series on Thursday, November 12, from 2:00-2:50 p.m. (CT).

The Fall 2026 Kent Seminar will explore advances in transportation engineering modeling. The 13-speaker series will begin August 27 and end November 19. 

Pizza and soft drinks will be provided beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the ICT Classroom. 

All presentations will be held on Zoom, but some speakers will present in person at ICT.

Join Zoom Webinar:
https://illinois.zoom.us/j/81698798883?pwd=dlHgbqirs442ZcdQJoP4bhbeE1mqOq.1

Webinar ID: 816 9879 8883
Passcode: 664625

Abstract and Bio

Is it better to keep your current car or replace it with a new, more efficient one? This seminar explores that question through life cycle assessment, combining passenger-car modeling with future energy scenarios and the timing of environmental impacts. Using open-source tools, including carculator, premise and TRAILS, we examine how replacement timing, driving patterns, vehicle production and evolving electricity and fuel mixes affect the comparison. The aim is to understand when replacement offers environmental benefits, how those conclusions depend on future developments and why accounting for time matters when assessing transitions toward lower-impact passenger transportation.

Sacchi is an environmental scientist and researcher in the Technology Assessment group at the Paul Scherrer Institute. His research interests include life cycle assessment, prospective life cycle assessment, energy systems modeling and the environmental trade-offs of defossilization. He holds a Ph.D. in environmental sciences.