Effects of locations on the CO₂ Emissions of E-Cars Compared to Internal Combustion Engine Cars

Abstract

This paper focuses on the effects of locations on the CO₂ emissions of electric cars compared to internal combustion engine cars. The transportation sector is a major contributor to CO₂ emissions, and the adoption of electric vehicles is seen as a potential solution. However, the environmental footprint of EVs needs to be assessed through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), considering factors such as the energy mix, manufacturing processes, and end-of-life management. The geographical location plays a crucial role, as regions with different energy mixes have varying lifecycle CO₂ emissions for EVs. Additionally, temperature impacts the emissions of both ICEVs and EVs. In low-temperature environments, ICEVs' emissions increase significantly, while for EVs, temperature affects battery performance and energy consumption. Through a comparative analysis, it is found that although EVs may have higher emissions in some stages, their total carbon emissions are 22.4% less than that of ICEVs. Understanding these factors is essential for making informed decisions towards a greener transportation future, and further efforts are needed to reduce the environmental impact of both vehicle types through technological advancements and policy interventions.