A comprehensive method for evaluating cradle-to-grave efficiency of provincial vehicles in China

In regions with varying resource endowments, the differences in energy structures and vehicle usage patterns complicate the assessment of the environmental efficiency of electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles from a provincial perspective. This study created a detailed vehicle profile for each province and offered recommendations to improve the cradle-to-grave environmental efficiencies of four types of vehicles across various provinces by integrating five-step life cycle assessment with network data envelopment analysis models. The results showed that despite significant differences in energy composition, manufacturing level, and operating conditions across provinces, electric vehicles consume less energy and produce lower carbon emissions than internal combustion engine vehicles. However, their terrestrial acidification emissions remain higher. The research findings provide life cycle data support on different vehicle pollutants in provinces and prioritize policy suggestions based on data envelopment analysis results. • Electric vehicles have the lowest carbon emissions across provinces in China. • The terrestrial acidification from electric vehicles is the highest among provinces. • To enhance gasoline vehicle efficiency, prioritize reducing fuel consumption. • Reducing electricity consumption is key to enhance electric vehicle efficiency.