Comparative life cycle GHG emission analysis of conventional and electric vehicles in India

The propulsion systems and characteristics of electric vehicles (EV) are different from that of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV) and are considered to be environmentally friendly. It is relevant to access their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on a life cycle perspective for a specific location. In this study, the life cycle GHG emissions of electric vehicles in terms of equivalent carbon emission (kgCO2eq) are compared with conventional vehicles for a life cycle inventory in Indian conditions. It has been concluded that there is a reduction of about 40% embodied equivalent carbon in an ICEV in comparison with an EV in Indian conditions. Vehicle emission factor has been introduced to normalize the emission value with respect to the vehicle life in km. It varies as 0.27 kgCO2eq/km and 0.24 kgCO2eq/km for an ICEV, with high value for the petrol variant. Similar values for EVs are 0.37 kgCO2eq/km, 0.34 kgCO2eq/km and 0.32 kgCO2eq/km, with highest value for LFP and the least for LMO variants. The study concludes that the high value of emission parameters for EVs in comparison with ICEVs is due to the high rated battery component, emission factor due to the Indian generation mix and energy intensive manufacturing techniques. The emission footprint of EVs can be reduced by improved material production and manufacturing techniques of the vehicle components, increased penetration of renewable in the generation sector and enhanced usage of recycled components in vehicle industry.