The Great Plains Institute has developed a comprehensive lifecycle assessment study that analyzes and compares the lifecycle emissions of electric vehicles (EVs) and conventional vehicles. The tool study evaluates and compares the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the two vehicle types.
This analysis aims to inform policy decisions, guide consumer choices, and advance sustainable transportation solutions.
The lifecycle assessment study of EV vs. conventional vehicle emissions
The lifecycle assessment compares emissions under two scenarios:
- Baseline scenario: The scenario is based on present technology and the current carbon intensity of the electric grid in the United States. It assumes EV components are not recycled at the end of their life, and all cathode active material for new EVs is sourced by mining virgin materials.
- Clean grid and recycled batteries scenario: This scenario incorporates states’ commitments to clean energy production and assumes a 100 percent clean electric grid. It also assumes that 20 percent of the cathode active material for EV batteries is sourced from recycling.
We compared the lifecycle emissions for EVs with their conventional counterparts for the following five categories:
- Pickup trucks: The conventional Ford F-150 vs. the electric F-150 Lightning
- Compact SUVs: The conventional BMW X3 vs. the Tesla Model Y
- Subcompact SUVs: The conventional Honda HR vs. the Chevrolet Bolt
- Sedans: The conventional BMW 3 Series vs. the Tesla Model 3
- Full-size SUVs: The Honda Pilot vs. the KIA EV9
Lifecycle assessment study results
Our analysis reveals the following:
- EVs consistently outperform conventional vehicles in lifecycle emissions, reducing emissions by up to 52 percent, even with today’s electric grid and technology.
- The difference is especially pronounced when these vehicles are manufactured using and powered by clean electricity and are recycled—with up to 92 percent emissions reduction over their lifetimes compared to conventional vehicles.
- Battery production emissions can be offset within the first few years of EV use.
Access the study and learn more about our findings: Lifecycle Emissions Study: EVs vs. Conventional Vehicles.
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