Electric light-duty vehicles have decarbonization potential but may not reduce other environmental problems

Electric vehicles are promoted as ‘clean’ technologies and offer promising reductions in transportation emissions. Nevertheless, their environmental benefits critically depend on the local electricity grid mix and the type of emission being considered. Here, we conduct a comparative life cycle asses...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Communications earth & environment 2024-08, Vol.5 (1), p.476-12, Article 476
Main Authors: Chen, Hao, Can Sener, Serife Elif, Van Emburg, Cole, Jones, Miles, Bogucki, Taylor, Bonilla, Nicolas, Ijeoma, Muzan Williams, Wan, Heng, Carbajales-Dale, Michael
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
Carbon cycle
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide emissions
Climate change
Decarbonization
Electric potential
Electric power grids
Electric vehicle (EV)
Electric vehicles
Electricity
Electricity distribution
Electricity generation
Emissions
Emissions control
Environmental impact
Environmental indicators
Global warming
Grid mix
Impact analysis
Life cycle analysis
Life cycle assessment
Low income areas
Particulate emissions
Particulate matter
Sustainable transportation
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Summary:Electric vehicles are promoted as ‘clean’ technologies and offer promising reductions in transportation emissions. Nevertheless, their environmental benefits critically depend on the local electricity grid mix and the type of emission being considered. Here, we conduct a comparative life cycle assessment of the four dominant light-duty vehicle categories at both the global scale and in three representative countries: Norway, the US, and China. By analyzing different environmental indicators, particularly global warming potential and respiratory effects, and quantifying related parametric uncertainties, we reveal that the advantages of electric vehicles vary across these regions and across environmental impact types. While electric vehicles offer considerable decarbonization potential as the grid mix becomes cleaner, they might not mitigate other environmental impacts, such as increased respiratory effects on rural, low-income communities. Our results support stakeholders in identifying environmentally friendly vehicle and policy options while considering multiple factors, and emphasize the importance of tailored approaches over one-size-fits-all solutions in sustainable transportation.
ISSN:2662-4435
2662-4435
DOI:10.1038/s43247-024-01608-z