Comparative analysis of the life-cycle emissions of carbon dioxide emitted by battery electric vehicles using various energy mixes and vehicles with ICE

Adam Borkowski,Maciej Zawiślak

doi:10.19206/ce-147159

Abstract

The research aims to find an effective way to reduce real-world CO2 emissions of passenger vehicles, by answering the question of what kind of vehicles in various countries generates the smallest carbon footprint. Emissions were calculated for vehicles from three of the most popular segments: small, compact and midsize, both with conventional body and SUVs. Each type of vehicle was analyzed with various types of powertrain: petrol ICE (internal combustion engine), diesel ICE, LPG ICE, petrol hybrid, LPG hybrid and BEV (battery electric vehicle) with four different carbon intensity of electric energy source. The final conclusion provides guidelines for environmentally responsible decision-making in terms of passenger vehicle choice.

Highlights

According to the current state of scientific knowledge about the environment and climate, global warming caused mainly by anthropogenic CO2 emissions is a problem that requires global action aimed at the fastest and most effective reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions [20]
From the perspective of climate change, tailpipe greenhouse gases emissions are as important as emissions related to all other activities, such as: – extraction of materials for production of vehicle, fuel, spare parts, tires, fluids, – production of vehicle, fuel, spare parts, tires, fluids, – generation of energy for charging battery electric vehicle (BEV) (Battery Electric Vehicles) and PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles), – vehicle maintenance, – end of vehicle’s life
Total GHG emission of a vehicle during its life (Etot) can be estimated as a sum of 5 main contributors with the greatest global warming potential: – emission of vehicle production (Evp), excluding battery cells in hybrid vehicles and BEVs, – emission related to production of battery cells (Ebp), – tailpipe emission (Et), – emission related to production of fuel and energy for use of the vehicle (Eep), – emission related to basic maintenance activities (Em): replacement of engine oil, tires, and brakes

Summary

Introduction

According to the current state of scientific knowledge about the environment and climate, global warming caused mainly by anthropogenic CO2 emissions is a problem that requires global action aimed at the fastest and most effective reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions [20]. The results of scientists’ research contributed to the signing of the Paris Agreement. It is a legally binding agreement, signed by 190 countries from around the world. Some of the most questionable rules are as follows: excluding 5% of the most emitting new cars in calculations (in 2020), granting bonuses for eco-innovations that do not demonstrate a CO2 reduction effect during the test procedures (up to 7 g/km credit), giving additional incentives for cars emitting less than 50 g/km (in 2020 these cars are counted as 2 vehicles, in 2021 as 1.67, in 2022 as 1.33), considering only direct emissions (TTW, tank to wheel), basing CO2 emissions on unrealistic and outdated

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion