LIFE-CYCLE AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF THE COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE PASSENGER CARS

Abstract

Today, passenger vehicle emissions alone represent 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). The automobile industry is aware of this and has taken steps towards decarbonization over the past decade. Emissions related to the six phases of the life cycle were determined from the LCA database compiled on the basis of data collected on emissions during the life cycle of different types of vehicles, units, sizes and geographical areas. Typically, Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICE) constantly emit CO2 while driving, whereas Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) do not. The transition to an electric vehicle is only as clean as the energy source used to charge the vehicle. Each BEV car represents approximately 2.2 MWh/year of load on the country's electric power system, while due to the way energy is converted, the ICE car represents approximately 11.9 MWh/year of fuel-equivalent load.