Electric Motorcycles in Thailand: A Life Cycle Perspective

Abstract

SummaryBattery electric motorcycles offer the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption in road transportation, but result in problem shifting when considering potential environmental impacts during vehicle production and disposal. This study evaluates the life cycle environmental impacts of implementing lithium‐ion and lead‐acid battery electric motorcycles in Thailand's motorcycle fleet to meet the government's motorcycle energy reduction target of 2,791 kilotonnes oil equivalent, compared to conventional motorcycles. A stock‐turnover model is used to determine the market growth of electric motorcycles on the fleet from 2015 to 2030 to meet the energy reduction target. The total costs of ownership of each motorcycle are analyzed on a single vehicle basis to compare the cost benefits. The results of the study reveal that the environmental performance of an electric motorcycle fleet is sensitive to variations in use‐phase energy consumption, the electricity mix consumed, and battery disposal scenarios. Realization of Thailand's Power Development Plan can reduce total impacts of the electric motorcycle fleet to global warming by 6% to 10%. It is crucial that batteries from electric motorcycles are recycled to avoid 98% of impacts to toxicity. Lead‐acid battery electric motorcycles are a more affordable option for consumers in Thailand compared to conventional motorcycles and lithium‐ion battery electric motorcycles. Recommendations are made to improve the environmental performance of electric motorcycle implementation strategies in Thailand.