An adaptable life cycle greenhouse gas emissions assessment framework for electric, hybrid, fuel cell and conventional vehicles: Effect of electricity mix, mileage, battery capacity and battery chemistry in the context of Canada

Abstract

Comprehensive evaluation of greenhouse gas emission reductions from alternative vehicle powertrains requires the use of a life cycle assessment methodology, which considers manufacturing, utilization and end-of-life phases of the vehicle and fuel production. However, vehicle powertrain technologies and regional electricity and fuel production characteristics are evolving rapidly, making such studies performed using current data obsolete in few years. For example, regional electricity generation mixes across the Canadian provinces are largely different, and they are likely to evolve with the introduction of renewable electricity. Hence, there is a general need for adaptable and flexible life cycle assessment frameworks for the transportation sector for rapid evaluation of GHG reductions using up-to-date data. The objective of this study is to develop an adaptive life cycle assessment framework for light duty vehicles that can incorporate critical new developments in vehicle powertrain technologies and changes in electricity and fuel supply. Conventional, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric and fuel cell powertrain types are included in the framework as parametrized models. Critical parameters related to vehicle size and battery capacity, fuel consumption, mileage, battery chemistry, vehicle hybridization, and electricity and fuel emission intensity are incorporated. The framework was demonstrated by applying it in the Canadian context with the analysis of scenarios associated with electricity grid emission intensity, mileage, battery capacity and battery chemistry.