Automotive Electrification Challenges Shown by Real-World Driving Data and Lifecycle Assessment

Michael Neidhardt (), Jordi Mas-Peiro (), Antonia Schneck, Josep O. Pou, Rafael Gonzalez-Olmos, Arno Kwade and Benedikt Schmuelling
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Michael Neidhardt: Mercedes-Benz AG, Bela-Barenyi-Straße, 71059 Sindelfingen, Germany
Jordi Mas-Peiro: Mercedes-Benz AG, Bela-Barenyi-Straße, 71059 Sindelfingen, Germany
Antonia Schneck: Mercedes-Benz AG, Bela-Barenyi-Straße, 71059 Sindelfingen, Germany
Josep O. Pou: Chemical Engineering and Material Science Department, IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
Rafael Gonzalez-Olmos: Chemical Engineering and Material Science Department, IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
Arno Kwade: Institute for Particle Technology, University of Braunschweig, Volkmaroder Str. 5, 38104 Braunschweig, Germany
Benedikt Schmuelling: Chair of Electric Mobility and Energy Storage Systems, University of Wuppertal, Rainer-Gruenter-Str. 21, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 23, 1-19

Abstract: Electric mobility is considered a solution to reduce carbon emissions. We expanded a lifecycle assessment with data on technical limitations and driving habits (based on real-world data) in order to identify the environmentally optimal drivetrain for each individual driving behavior with current and projected technologies, focusing on CO 2 emissions. By combining all data, an environmentally optimal European drivetrain mix is calculated, which is dominated by fuel-cell electric vehicles (50% in 2020, 47% in 2030), followed by plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (37%, 40%), battery-electric vehicles (BEV) (5%, 12%), and Diesel vehicles (2%, 1%). Driving behavior defines the most environmental drivetrain and the coexistence of different drivetrains is currently still necessary. Such information is crucial to identify limitations and unmet technological needs for full electrification. If range is not considered a limitation, the environmentally optimal drivetrain mix is dominated by BEVs (71%, 75%), followed by fuel cell electric vehicles (25%, 19%) and plug-in electric vehicles (4%, 6%). This confirms the potential environmental benefits of BEVs for current and future transportation. Developments in battery energy density, charging, and sustainable production, as well as a change in driving behavior, will be crucial to make BEVs the environmentally optimal drivetrain choice.

Keywords: electric vehicle; life cycle assessment; environmental impact; sustainable transport; electrification forecast; automotive fleet analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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