A Systematic Review of Life Cycle Assessment of Electric Vehicles Studies: Goals, Methodologies, Results and Uncertainties

Read the full article See related articles

Discuss this preprint

Start a discussion What are Sciety discussions?

Listed in

This article is not in any list yet, why not save it to one of your lists.
Log in to save this article

Abstract

This review analyzes how recent electric vehicle LCAs are carried out, emphasizing goals and scope, functional units, system boundaries (cradle to grave and well to wheel), and attributional versus consequential modeling rather than only reporting outcomes. Using a systematic search of studies mainly from 2018–2025, it maps common tools and data sources (ecoinvent, GREET, GaBi, and regional inventories) and summarizes LCIA practices, underscoring the need to report versions, regionalization, and assumptions transparently for comparability. Uncertainty treatment is uneven: sensitivity and scenario analyses are common, while probabilistic approaches (e.g., Monte Carlo) are less used, indicating room for more consistent, multi parameter uncertainty analysis. Results show that outcomes are context dependent: BEVs deliver the largest life cycle GHG cuts on low carbon grids with improved battery production and end of life management; PHEVs and HEVs act as transitional options shaped by real world use; and FCEV benefits depend on low carbon hydrogen. Vehicle integrated photovoltaics and solar powered vehicles are promising yet under studied, with performance tied to local irradiance, design, and grid evolution. Priorities include harmonized reporting, more regionalized and time aware modeling, broader probabilistic uncertainty, and comprehensive LCAs of VIPV/SPV and circular pathways to support policy ready, comparable results.

Article activity feed