Carbon Footprint throughout the Life Cycle of Electric Vehicles andIts Influence on Transport Sector Decarbonization

Abstract

To assess the carbon footprint of new energy vehicles, a comprehensive life cycle analysis is essential. This study develops a unified carbon emission calculation model for electric vehicles, addressing all phases from raw material acquisition, component manufacturing, and usage to recycling. Using the BYD E6 (a specific EV car model) as a case study, life cycle carbon emissions were calculated based on the associated data released in 2022. Carbon emissions from material extraction and recycling, component production and assembly, battery production and recycling, as well as energy consumption during vehicle usage and maintenance, are all considered. The results reveal that battery manufacturing accounts for the largest share of carbon emissions, representing 76.85% of the total. Notably, when second-life utilization technologies for power batteries are employed, the recycling rate increases significantly, leading to a substantial reduction in overall carbon emissions. Additionally, this study analyzes sales trends and market share dynamics of new energy vehicles over the past decade and forecasts their future development, while also considering the financial and ecological benefits derived from the financial value of carbon emissions.