Battery production emissions play a significant role in the lifecycle emissions of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), similar to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). Here’s how they impact PHEVs:
Impact of Battery Production on Lifecycle Emissions
- Emissions from Production: A substantial portion of a vehicle’s lifecycle emissions comes from the manufacturing process. For electric vehicles, about 46% of carbon emissions are attributed to production, with a significant component being the production of batteries themselves. For PHEVs, the emissions profile is similar to BEVs when they operate primarily in electric mode.
- Comparison to Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles: While PHEVs have higher emissions during manufacturing due to battery production, these are offset by lower emissions during use. When driven mostly on electricity, PHEVs can have lifecycle emissions similar to those of BEVs, which are generally lower than those of internal combustion engine vehicles.
- Payback Period: The higher emissions from manufacturing are quickly compensated by the reduced emissions during operation. Depending on the energy source used for charging, the emissions “debt” from production can be paid off in as little as one and a half years if renewable energy is used.
Factors Influencing Lifecycle Emissions
- Energy Source for Charging: The emissions profile of PHEVs improves significantly when the electricity used for charging comes from low-carbon sources. In regions with renewable energy-dominant grids, like Norway or France, PHEVs can have lifecycle emissions that are less than a third of those from conventional combustion engine vehicles.
- Variability in Battery Manufacturing Emissions: There is considerable variability in estimates of battery manufacturing emissions, which can range by a factor of 10. This highlights the need for more precise data to accurately assess lifecycle impacts.
In summary, while battery production contributes significantly to the initial emissions of PHEVs, the operational phase with low carbon intensity can effectively offset these production emissions over time, making PHEVs a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional vehicles when considering the entire lifecycle.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-battery-production-emissions-impact-the-lifecycle-emissions-of-phevs/
