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A Review of Life Cycle Assessment Studies of Electric Vehicles with a Focus on Resource Use

Author

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  • Iulia Dolganova

    (Technische Universität Berlin, Chair of Sustainable Engineering, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany)

  • Anne Rödl

    (Technische Universität Hamburg, Institute of Environmental Technology and Energy Economics, Eissendorfer Strasse 40, 21073 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Vanessa Bach

    (Technische Universität Berlin, Chair of Sustainable Engineering, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany)

  • Martin Kaltschmitt

    (Technische Universität Hamburg, Institute of Environmental Technology and Energy Economics, Eissendorfer Strasse 40, 21073 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Matthias Finkbeiner

    (Technische Universität Berlin, Chair of Sustainable Engineering, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

Changes in the mobility patterns have evoked concerns about the future availability of certain raw materials necessary to produce alternative drivetrains and related batteries. The goal of this article is to determine if resource use aspects are adequately reflected within life cycle assessment (LCA) case studies of electric vehicles (EV). Overall, 103 LCA studies on electric vehicles from 2009 to 2018 are evaluated regarding their objective, scope, considered impact categories, and assessment methods—with a focus on resource depletion and criticality. The performed analysis shows that only 24 out of 76 EV LCA and 10 out of 27 battery LCA address the issue of resources. The majority of the studies apply one of these methods: CML-IA, ReCiPe, or Eco-Indicator 99. In most studies, EV show higher results for mineral and metal resource depletion than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV). The batteries analysis shows that lithium, manganese, copper, and nickel are responsible for the highest burdens. Only few publications approach resource criticality. Although this topic is a serious concern for future mobility, it is currently not comprehensively and consistently considered within LCA studies of electric vehicles. Criticality should be included in the analyses in order to derive results on the potential risks associated with certain resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Iulia Dolganova & Anne Rödl & Vanessa Bach & Martin Kaltschmitt & Matthias Finkbeiner, 2020. "A Review of Life Cycle Assessment Studies of Electric Vehicles with a Focus on Resource Use," Resources, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:9:y:2020:i:3:p:32-:d:332189
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lucas Woodley & Chung Yi See & Peter Cook & Megan Yeo & Daniel S. Palmer & Laurena Huh & Seaver Wang & Ashley Nunes, 2024. "Climate impacts of critical mineral supply chain bottlenecks for electric vehicle deployment," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Dmitrii Zakharov & Alexey Fadyushin & Denis Chainikov, 2020. "Changes in the Environmental Sustainability of the Urban Transport System when Introducing Paid Parking for Private Vehicles," Resources, MDPI, vol. 9(9), pages 1-18, August.
    3. Julia Pelzeter & Vanessa Bach & Martin Henßler & Klaus Ruhland & Matthias Finkbeiner, 2022. "Enhancement of the ESSENZ Method and Application in a Case Study on Batteries," Resources, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-25, May.
    4. Miner, Patrick & Smith, Barbara M. & Jani, Anant & McNeill, Geraldine & Gathorne-Hardy, Alfred, 2024. "Car harm: A global review of automobility's harm to people and the environment," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    5. Guzmán, Juan Ignacio & Karpunina, Alina & Araya, Constanza & Faúndez, Patricio & Bocchetto, Marcela & Camacho, Rodolfo & Desormeaux, Daniela & Galaz, Juanita & Garcés, Ingrid & Kracht, Willy & Lagos, , 2023. "Chile: On the road to global sustainable mining," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    6. Picatoste, Aitor & Justel, Daniel & Mendoza, Joan Manuel F., 2022. "Circularity and life cycle environmental impact assessment of batteries for electric vehicles: Industrial challenges, best practices and research guidelines," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 169(C).
    7. Iulia Dolganova & Vanessa Bach & Anne Rödl & Martin Kaltschmitt & Matthias Finkbeiner, 2022. "Assessment of Critical Resource Use in Aircraft Manufacturing," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 2(3), pages 1193-1212, September.

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