Charging Ahead or Fueling Change? Decoding the Green Future of the United States

The US faces increasing uncertainty in its clean energy transition amid recent policy reversals on net-zero goals. This study explores the strategic question of whether electric vehicles or ethanol-based biofuels offer a more viable path toward sustainable transportation. We conduct a comparative analysis of EVs and biofuels by integrating lifecycle assessment, time-series forecasting, and predictive analytics. Environmental impacts, economic feasibility, and adoption trajectories are evaluated through a US-focused lens while referencing global policy benchmarks and consumer behavior trends. Our model incorporates emissions across all scopes, infrastructure requirements, and policy sensitivity, offering a multifaceted view of these competing technologies. Preliminary findings highlight distinct trade-offs. EVs benefit from lower operational emissions and policy momentum but face challenges in battery production and grid dependency. Biofuels, especially ethanol, offer near-term scalability and lower infrastructure costs but struggle with market penetration and lifecycle efficiency. This research delivers evidencebased insights to guide policy and investment decisions. By clarifying the advantages and constraints of each approach, the study contributes to shaping a more resilient and effective clean energy future.

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Publication Details

Published
2025-05-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1109/sieds65500.2025.11021200
Primary Topic
Sustainable Development and Environmental Policy
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Charging Ahead or Fueling Change? Decoding the Green Future of the United States

Shinjini Bhatnagar, Aram Bahrini, Srijan Shetty
Sustainable Development and Environmental Policy
article

Charging Ahead or Fueling Change? Decoding the Green Future of the United States

Shinjini Bhatnagar, Aram Bahrini, Srijan Shetty
article en

Abstract

The US faces increasing uncertainty in its clean energy transition amid recent policy reversals on net-zero goals. This study explores the strategic question of whether electric vehicles or ethanol-based biofuels offer a more viable path toward sustainable transportation. We conduct a comparative analysis of EVs and biofuels by integrating lifecycle assessment, time-series forecasting, and predictive analytics. Environmental impacts, economic feasibility, and adoption trajectories are evaluated through a US-focused lens while referencing global policy benchmarks and consumer behavior trends. Our model incorporates emissions across all scopes, infrastructure requirements, and policy sensitivity, offering a multifaceted view of these competing technologies. Preliminary findings highlight distinct trade-offs. EVs benefit from lower operational emissions and policy momentum but face challenges in battery production and grid dependency. Biofuels, especially ethanol, offer near-term scalability and lower infrastructure costs but struggle with market penetration and lifecycle efficiency. This research delivers evidencebased insights to guide policy and investment decisions. By clarifying the advantages and constraints of each approach, the study contributes to shaping a more resilient and effective clean energy future.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (US)
Climate action
Openalex Percentile: Top 82%
Sustainable Development and Environmental Policy
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