Analysis of Carbon Saving by the Adoption of Electric Vehicles in a Region Where Electricity Generation is Dominated by Thermal Power Plants

Abstract

One method of reducing atmospheric CO2 emissions in the transportationsector is the replacement of conventional fossil fuel-based vehicles withElectric Vehicles (EVs). However, fossil fuels are still the primary sourceof electricity production in many regions and the utilization of EVs in suchregions increases the electricity demand because of battery charging. Thisresults in increased burning of fossil fuels by thermal power plants andtherefore can offset savings in CO2 emissions resulting from the adoptionof EVs. In this paper, we consider a scenario where all fossil fuel-basedconventional vehicles are replaced by EVs and then estimate the net CO2emission savings resulting from the adoption of EVs in a region whereelectricity is primarily supplied by thermal plants. Only emissions generatedduring the operational phase of vehicle use are considered; emissions duringthe production phase are not considered. The region under consideration is Madeira, Portugal where thermal plants account for 80% of the total electric-ity produced. Our findings suggest that although EVs have huge potential tosave CO2 emissions, a substantial amount of the savings can be offset due tothe increased burning of fossil fuels by thermal plants to meet the electricaldemand of charging batteries.