Lifecycle Assessment of Electric Vehicles Under Varying Grid Mix Scenarios

Abstract

This study focuses on an electric vehicle (EV) LCA with a particular interest in the use phase—for EVs on different electricity grids—during their life cycles, with the intent of measuring the EVs' environmental effects. The goal is to evaluate salient emission hotspots encompassing the entire EV cycle (material extraction, EV manufacturing, EV operation, and end-of-life) under different energy scenarios. The methodology embraced is cradle-to-grave, allowing estimation of greenhouse gas emissions from tailored grids (intensive fossil fuel, middle-of-the-road, and renewable-dominant) and assigned fossil fuel emissions. Results show that although the burden of manufacturing remains high, the operational phase is comparatively more sensitive to the carbon intensity of the grid. To fully realize the benefits of reducing the environmental impacts of EVs, electricity grids must be decarbonized. The results of this study highlight the need for holistic policies considering both technology and energy systems for sustainable mobility planning.