EVs versus Internal Combustion Engines: A comparative study on lifecycle emissions

Over the years, the automotive industry has become the highest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions because of its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, including gasoline and diesel. A United States Environmental Protection Agency report suggests that a passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. 

In India, the transportation sector is the third-largest source of CO2 emissions, and road transport accounts for about 90 percent of total CO2 emissions amid a surge in public transit and shared mobility services led by rapid urbanization and economic growth. Passenger vehicles contribute the highest CO2 emissions, whereas three-wheelers contribute the least. This has led to the global transportation sector undergoing a paradigm shift with cleaner and greener vehicles. 

Although the operational emissions of EVs are majorly lower than those of traditional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles, we are presenting a comprehensive analysis of the lifecycle emissions of EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles from production to end-of-life to comprehend their true environmental impact.

Emissions during manufacturing: ICE takes the lead 

Energy is used extensively in constructing EVs, especially the batteries that run them. The most popular type of battery for electric vehicles (EVs) is lithium-ion batteries, which need metals like nickel, cobalt, and lithium, whose extraction process can seriously harm the environment.

During the processes of mining, energy-intensive refining, and production, EV generates higher emissions as compared to ICE vehicles. Conventional metals like steel, aluminium, and plastics are used to construct ICE vehicles. 

According to a Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) study, producing an electric vehicle (EV) emits between 15 to 68 percent more greenhouse gas emissions than creating a comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. The battery manufacturing process is responsible for most of the emissions. However, it should be noted that it’s just a single-time emission during the vehicle’s production phase, and it gradually changes as the car goes into other production and post-production phases. 

Emissions during operations: An Advantage for EVs 

Once the vehicle is in operation, EVs have a clear advantage over their ICE counterparts. It has been found that while operating an electric vehicle (EV), no direct releases of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), or particulate matter (PM) come from the exhaust. In contrast, during their operation stage, ICE vehicles burn fossil fuels, releasing substantial amounts of CO2 and other pollutants into the atmosphere.

Nevertheless, the type of electricity utilized for charging significantly impacts how environmentally friendly EVs are while they are operating. In countries where a significant portion of electricity is generated from renewable sources like wind, solar, or hydropower, EVs can have dramatically lower operational emissions compared to ICE vehicles. Whereas in regions heavily dependent on coal or natural gas for electricity, the emissions from EVs, though still lower than ICE vehicles, can be considerable. 

Recycling and Disposable phase 

The scrapping and recycling phase also plays a crucial role in determining a vehicle's lifecycle emissions. We have a well-established ICE recycling industry, especially for metals like steel and aluminium. Besides, most components used in ICE vehicles can be reused to reduce emission levels during manufacturing. But, with EVs, battery disposal is one of the significant challenges despite advancements in dumping lithium-ion batteries. Improper Lithium-ion battery disposal can contaminate the environment, and recycling procedures are energy-intensive. Nonetheless, emissions related to EVs' end-of-life phase are anticipated to drop as battery recycling technology advances.

Choosing EVs Is a Greener Option

Based on lifecycle emissions, it is evident that EVs are superior to ICE vehicles in the long run, especially as the world is moving towards cleaner energy sources. EVs are an essential component in reducing emissions related to transportation because they have no tailpipe emissions and can create a greener electrical system. However, to get maximum environmental benefits from EVs, specific measures should be taken, including decarbonizing the electrical grid, enhancing battery production methods, and putting in place reliable recycling systems must be taken. 

Ankita Patwa is an Environmental Manager at Foxconn EV System LLC. Views expressed are her own.