Driving change in agriculture (2020–2025): A global review of LCA findings and adoption factors for agricultural electric vehicles

Agriculture significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions. As the sector decarbonises, Agricultural Electric Vehicles (AEVs) gain increasing attention for their environmental benefits and adoption potential. Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework and Double Diamond Approach (DDA), this study reviewed peer-reviewed articles from 2020 to 2025 on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and adoption behaviour, sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, addressing five key research questions. It was revealed that LCA research is mostly concentrated in Europe, with limited Global South representation. However, nearly half of the studies relied on simulations or retrofitted ICET (Internal Combustion Engine Tractor) data. Few applied cradle-to-cradle system boundaries or incorporated detailed battery lifecycle impacts such as aging, recycling, and toxicity. Endpoint indicators and end-of-life phases were often omitted. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) demonstrated a 72 % lower overall environmental impact (single score) compared to ICE systems. Other AEV types also remain largely underexplored. Notably, no study used Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA). Adoption studies identify high upfront costs, inadequate infrastructure, and performance limitations as major barriers. Accelerating AEV uptake requires multi-criteria interdisciplinary approaches, balancing environmental, economic, and social priorities, including targeted policies, financial incentives, rural infrastructure investment, farmer training, clear regulations, and public-private partnerships for locally adapted solutions. Future research should use mixed methods, cover more vehicle types, apply cradle-to-cradle modelling, and integrate real-world data. Embedding S-LCA and culturally responsive frameworks is essential for socially accepted, context-specific adoption. • AEVs reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 74 %, especially in battery-powered electric tractors. •Current life cycle studies often lack cradle-to-cradle and endpoint impact analyses. •Critical literature gaps also exist in the studies on the impact of battery aging, toxicity, and recycling. •Few studies have conducted Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA). •Adoption barriers include high initial costs, poor infrastructure, and performance limitations.