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Comparing the life-cycle CO2 emissions of the best-selling electric and internal combustion engine cars in Italy

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  • Danielis, Romeo
  • Giansoldati, Marco
  • Scorrano, Mariangela

Abstract

Introduction. The question of whether battery electric vehicles (BEVs) emit more or less CO2 than Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) along the entire life cycle is still a debated topic in the scientific literature and in the popular press. This paper contributes to the debate by providing an estimate for the best-selling cars in Italy. The methodology. On the basis of the VCA database reporting the CO2 emissions of most of the cars on sale in Italy in 2016, we perform a life-cycle analysis including fuel and electricity production, car\battery manufacturing and disposal, and direct and indirect emissions during the car use. Results. Currently, the BEVs emit 24% less CO2 than gasoline ICEVs, 26% less than diesel ICEVs, and 12% less than HEVs. In 2026 the savings could further increase to 38%, 40% and 24%, respectively, assuming the past trends towards a cleaner electricity mix and no improvement in the conventional and HEVs technologies Conclusion. BEVs should be promoted as an alternative to the ICEVs not only because they reduce air and noise pollution in urban areas but also because they contribute to decrease global CO2 emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Danielis, Romeo & Giansoldati, Marco & Scorrano, Mariangela, 2019. "Comparing the life-cycle CO2 emissions of the best-selling electric and internal combustion engine cars in Italy," Working Papers 19_1, SIET Società Italiana di Economia dei Trasporti e della Logistica.
    • Handle: RePEc:sit:wpaper:19_1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Maarten Messagie & Faycal-Siddikou Boureima & Thierry Coosemans & Cathy Macharis & Joeri Van Mierlo, 2014. "A Range-Based Vehicle Life Cycle Assessment Incorporating Variability in the Environmental Assessment of Different Vehicle Technologies and Fuels," Energies, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-16, March.
    3. Troy R. Hawkins & Bhawna Singh & Guillaume Majeau‐Bettez & Anders Hammer Strømman, 2013. "Comparative Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Conventional and Electric Vehicles," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 17(1), pages 53-64, February.
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