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Unveiling the inequality and embodied carbon emissions of China's battery electric vehicles across life cycles by using a MRIO-based LCA model

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Listed:
  • Yuan, Xudong
  • Lee, Lien-Chieh
  • Zhu, Yi
  • Wang, Yuan
  • Zhang, Hongyu
  • Zheng, Han
  • Chicaiza-Ortiz, Cristhian
  • Liu, Ziguo

Abstract

China dominates the battery electric vehicle (BEV) market, contributing 60 % of global sales. However, the rapid expansion of BEV has raised global carbon emissions through supply chains. This study adopted the Multi-Regional Input-Output-based Life-Cycle Assessment (MRIO-based LCA) model to evaluate the embodied carbon emissions across all BEV life cycle stages, including manufacturing, driving, battery replacing, and scrapping phases. Furthermore, the Gini coefficient was adopted to reveal the inequality of global carbon emissions induced by each life cycle stage of BEV in China. The results indicate that BEV generated 101 million tons of carbon emissions, with manufacturing phase accounting for 53 %. The scrapping stage is indicated as the main driver of global carbon emission inequality across the BEV life cycle. While BEV eliminate tailpipe emissions, their “zero-emission” potential remains constrained by decarbonization of power supply. Findings provide a scientific basis for formulating equitable emission reduction policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuan, Xudong & Lee, Lien-Chieh & Zhu, Yi & Wang, Yuan & Zhang, Hongyu & Zheng, Han & Chicaiza-Ortiz, Cristhian & Liu, Ziguo, 2025. "Unveiling the inequality and embodied carbon emissions of China's battery electric vehicles across life cycles by using a MRIO-based LCA model," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:trapol:v:174:y:2025:i:c:s0967070x25003701
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2025.103827
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