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Impact of electrification on two-wheelers in India from the perspective of well-to-wheel energy efficiency and CO2 emissions

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  • Nandola, Yash
  • Krishna, Uttam
  • Pramanik, Santanu
  • Himabindu, M.
  • Ravikrishna, R.V.

Abstract

A Well-to-Wheel analysis (WTW) or fuel life-cycle analysis has been performed for two-wheeler vehicles in India to understand the effect of electrification on WTW energy consumption and CO2 emissions by comparing the results for conventional gasoline and a battery-electric powertrain (BEV). The electricity pathway shows the highest Well-to-Tank (WTT) energy use, CO2 emissions, and lowest WTT efficiency. The Tank-to-Wheel (TTW) analysis is performed over the World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC). The BEV shows lower TTW energy use and higher TTW efficiency than conventional gasoline. The BEV offers higher WTW efficiency and lower WTW CO2 emissions than the gasoline-powered vehicle, even with the current electricity mix after combining the WTT and TTW results. This is because the advantage of the high TTW efficiency of the BEV outweighs the disadvantage of the low WTT efficiency associated with electricity generation predominantly from coal. By reducing transmission and distribution losses, the percentage share of electricity generated from coal-based power plants, and increasing the share of electricity generated from more efficient renewable energy sources, the BEV is expected to improve further regarding WTW efficiency and CO2 emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Nandola, Yash & Krishna, Uttam & Pramanik, Santanu & Himabindu, M. & Ravikrishna, R.V., 2025. "Impact of electrification on two-wheelers in India from the perspective of well-to-wheel energy efficiency and CO2 emissions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 324(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:324:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225015531
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135911
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    References listed on IDEAS

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