Assessing and Managing the Direct and Indirect Emissions from Electric and Fossil-Powered Vehicles

Efforts to improve air quality and concerns about global warming make transportation mediums that do not produce emissions more attractive to end users. Meanwhile, some of these transportation mediums are powered by an electricity grid that generates a great deal of emissions. This study compared the greenhouse gas GHG emissions for both electric and fossil-powered vehicles using estimates of tailpipe emissions of fossil-powered vehicles and the indirect emissions from the electricity grid. Furthermore, a system dynamic model was developed for a more holistic review of the GHG emissions for both electric and fossil-powered vehicles. The result indicated that in terms of associated emissions from the grid, electric-powered vehicles are not always better than fossil-powered vehicles when the electricity is not from a renewable source. The GHG emissions for electric-powered vehicles are dependent on both the electricity usage rate of the vehicle and the GHG emissions that are associated with the production of that amount of electricity. Further opportunities exist in renewable and clean energy technologies for various operations. Based on reports from previous works, this report also presented potential strategies to achieve a significant reduction in GHG emissions for both the electricity grid and fossil fuel refining processes.

Automated summary

Efforts to improve air quality and address global warming have led to increased interest in transportation mediums that do not produce emissions. However, some of these mediums rely on an electricity grid that emits greenhouse gases. This study compared the emissions of electric and fossil-powered vehicles, taking into account both tailpipe emissions and indirect emissions from the electricity grid. The findings suggest that the emissions of electric vehicles are not always lower than those of fossil-powered vehicles when the electricity is not sourced from renewable energy. Further research opportunities exist in renewable and clean energy technologies for various operations.