Life Cycle Analysis of Emissions from Electric and Gasoline Vehicles in Different Regions

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered a promising technology to mitigate air pollution and resource depletion problems. The emissions from the manufacturing process can cause severe health problems like chronic asthma and even death. Automakers and policy makers need to investigate the lifecycle emissions of EVs in different regions and then governments should decide if it is safe to establish EV production facilities in their country or whether it is more appropriate to import finished products. The objective of this study is to evaluate the air pollutant emissions produced by EVs and gasoline vehicles (GVs) during their life cycles under two technology scenarios. Life cycle analysis (LCA) was applied to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) and non-GHG emissions. We assessed air pollution from vehicles in Japan, China, and the United Kingdom (UK). Results indicate that EVs do not necessarily decrease pollutant emissions. EVs can improve air quality and reduce emissions in countries where electricity is derived from clean energy resources.