Abstract Like many cities around the world, New York City is establishing policies to reduce CO2 emissions from all energy sectors by 2050. Understanding the impact of varying degrees of electric vehicle adoption and CO2 intensities on emission reduction in the city is critical. Here, using a technology-rich, bottom-up, energy system optimization model, we analyze cost and air emission impacts of New York City’s proposed CO2 reduction policies for the transportation sector through a scenario framework. Our analysis reveals electrification of light-duty vehicles at earlier periods are essential for deeper reductions in air emissions. When further combined with energy efficiency improvements, these actions contribute to CO2 reductions under the scenarios of higher CO2 intense electricity. Significant reliance on fossil fuels and a need for structural change pose challenges to cost-effective CO2 reductions in the transportation sector. Here we found that uncertainties associated with decarbonization of the electric grid has minimum influence on cost-effectiveness of CO2 reduction pathways for transportation sector.

This dataset is associated with the following publication: Isik, M., R. Dodder, and P. Kaplanakman. How sustainable are New York City’s transportation policies in the context of broader emissions reduction targets?. Nature Energy. Springer Nature Group, New York, NY, 6: 92-104, (2021).