Comprehensive review of life cycle assessment methodologies for passenger vehicles

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to advance knowledge in the methodology of environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) for vehicles and to discern potential environmental and health burdens associated with combustion and electric vehicles. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted using the Scopus database, with a focus on papers published between 2005 and November 2023. The search was refined to include only English-language publications investigating passenger vehicles, resulting in a final corpus of 75 studies. Results: The review revealed that LCA conclusions for automotive vehicles can vary widely depending on the specific study's scope, methodology, and goals. Many studies emphasize the need for a holistic approach considering various drive technologies, production aspects, and local geographical conditions. Theoretical contribution: This paper contributes to the field of environmental science and sustainability by synthesizing the current state of knowledge on the environmental impact of vehicles across their entire life cycle. The findings highlight the importance of a nuanced and comprehensive approach to understanding and mitigating the environmental externalities of transportation. Practical implications: The insights from this review can inform policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers in their decisions regarding sustainable transportation solutions. By understanding the key areas of concern and improvement opportunities across the entire life cycle of vehicles, stakeholders can work towards a more environmentally responsible and sustainable transportation system.