Assessing the Cross-Sectoral Economic-Energy-Environmental Impacts of Electric-Vehicle Promotion in Taiwan

Few studies have examined the cross-sectoral impacts of electric vehicles on the economy, energy, and the environment. This study adopted hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and pure-battery electric vehicles as research objects in establishing an input-output analysis framework of the electric-vehicle industry. Learning curves and scenario analysis were also used to explore the cross-sectoral economic-energy-environmental impacts of electric-vehicle promotion, using Taiwan as a case study. Our results indicated that by 2040, electric vehicles will create an output value of 157 similar to 186.7 billion NTD, while boosting employment and reducing energy expenditures but having a negligible impact on income. It is expected that by 2040, the adoption of electric vehicles will reduce energy consumption to 65 similar to 82% of the levels required for vehicles using internal-combustion engines. Electric vehicles are expected to reduce CO2 and NOX emissions but increase PM2.5 emissions, with little effect on SOX emissions.