Life cycle assessment of fuel cell, electric and internal combustion engine vehicles under different fuel scenarios and driving mileages in China

Abstract

As the result of the growing problems of energy shortage and environmental pollution, the world needs more energy-saving and low-emissions vehicles. Although most future vehicles claim to have good performance, their real effects on sustainability in the life cycle under complex scenarios still need careful evaluation. In this study, a comprehensive and state-of-the-art life cycle assessment of the fuel cell vehicle, electric vehicle and internal combustion engine vehicle in China is conducted to compare their sustainability under different hydrogen production methods and driving mileages. The results show that primary energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of electric vehicles in the vehicle life cycle is significantly higher than that of the other two vehicles caused by the high energy consumption and emissions of battery production. In the total life cycle, fuel cell vehicles using hydrogen from electrolysis by abandoned hydropower and coke oven gas have the best performance among all scenarios when the driving mileage reaches around 75,000 km, and their advantage will become more obvious with increasing the driving mileage. In summary, it is necessary to select proper vehicle and fuel scenario based on the driving mileage to achieve good sustainability impact.