Electric vs. Internal Combustion Vehicles: A Multi-Regional Life Cycle Assessment Comparison for Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

The growing concern for environmental sustainability has sparked a shift towards electric vehicles as a more environmentally friendly alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). This review paper comprehensively incorporates a wide range of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies to conduct a detailed comparison of the environmental impact of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV) in different regions and under various scenarios. The analysis encompasses recent research from various years and diverse locations, such as the USA, Spain, Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, China, and Japan. The LCA evaluations yield significant insights into the global warming potential (GWP) represented by CO2 equivalent emissions per vehicle kilometre over their lifespan. The findings also emphasize that BEVs charged with renewable energy offer greater environmental benefits than biofuel-driven cars. Furthermore, the study incorporates various future scenarios, such as the widespread adoption of renewable energies, which could lead to substantial reductions in CO2eq emissions. However, the comparative analysis reveals varying impacts for BEVs in different regions, particularly highlighting the importance of the electricity mix used to charge BEV batteries. Overall, the review paper serves as a valuable contribution to the broader aim of understanding transport drivetrain implications on environment. Integrating diverse LCA assessments can inform sustainable transportation policies and practices.