Comparative Life Cycle Energy and GHG Emission Analysis for BEVs and PhEVs: A Case Study in China

Siqin Xiong, Junping Ji and Xiaoming Ma
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Siqin Xiong: School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
Junping Ji: School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
Xiaoming Ma: School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 5, 1-17

Abstract: Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are seen as the most promising alternatives to internal combustion vehicles, as a means to reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector. To provide the basis for preferable decisions among these vehicle technologies, an environmental benefit evaluation should be conducted. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) are two most often applied batteries to power these vehicles. Given this context, this study aims to compare life cycle energy consumption and GHG emissions of BEVs and PHEVs, both of which are powered by LFP and NMC batteries. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses are conducted, concerning electricity generation mix, lifetime mileage, utility factor, and battery recycling. BEVs are found to be less emission-intensive than PHEVs given the existing and near-future electricity generation mix in China, and the energy consumption and GHG emissions of a BEV are about 3.04% (NMC) to 9.57% (LFP) and 15.95% (NMC) to 26.32% (LFP) lower, respectively, than those of a PHEV.

Keywords: life cycle assessment; battery electric vehicle (BEV); plug-in electric vehicle; energy; greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (15)

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