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A typical new battery electric vehicle (BEV) is already estimated to emit about 65% less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over its entire lifecycle compared to petrol-fuelled equivalents, but the new report by consultancy Ricardo found that could increase to about 76% by 2030.
“We are all aware of the operational environmental benefits of driving an electric car, but this study has provided further confirmation that those benefits are also significant in the UK when considering the full life of the vehicle, from manufacturing to the end-of-life,” said Nikolas Hill, associate director of Ricardo’s sustainable transport team.
Fuel consumption dominates the overall lifecycle impact for conventional petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids. It currently accounts for more than 82% of GHG emissions for passenger cars and vans, the report showed, and is significantly more for higher mileage heavy-duty vehicles.
The analysis also found that while BEVs consistently perform better than all other powertrains for all road vehicle types, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) alternatives can also offer the opportunity to deliver large savings compared with conventional modes of transport.
Such hydrogen-fuelled vehicles are seen as a particularly important option for longer distance road freight transport. By 2050 an FCEV could save 73% compared with a traditional articulated lorry, the report found. Those GHG savings could potentially increase to 86% for a battery electric lorry.
“The results confirm that the current strategy for increasing electrification of road transport is the right one to help us reduce emissions,” said Hill. “As well as the potential for big savings with battery and hydrogen-powered vehicles, the benefits for health are also substantial. The pollutant emissions across the whole lifecycle of this new wave of cars are significantly lower.
“Our results support the UK government’s strategy for phasing out conventional vehicles and making the shift to electric transport. This is the best approach to reduce emissions and contribute to the UK’s climate targets.”
The study also showed the additional net lifecycle benefits of manufacturing electric vehicles and their batteries in the UK, compared to other regions.
The report, Lifecycle Analysis of UK Road Vehicles, builds on work Ricardo previously carried out for the European Commission.
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