Life Cycle Assessment and Future Scenario Analysis of Internal Combustion and Electric Road Vehicles in the Context of Türkiye

This study employs a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology and finds the potential environmental impacts of daily road transport in Türkiye. It also assesses the changes in potential impacts from electric vehicle (EV) usage instead of internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV). The life cycle system boundary is determined as 'well-to-wheel' and 'person.km' is used as the functional unit for comparing different vehicle capacities. The Global Warming Potential (GWP) of the diesel-powered car, gasoline-powered car, and diesel-powered minibus are calculated as 202, 250, and 20.3 gr CO2-eq/person.km respectively. Electric cars reduce the GWP by 56% compared to diesel usage, with an additional 45.8% reduction for the electric minibus. However, the consumption of fossil fuels in electricity production increases the Terrestrial Acidification, Freshwater Eutrophication, and Freshwater Ecotoxicity impacts. Türkiye aims to increase its renewable energy sources by 2035. Changing electricity generation is assessed through a sensitivity analysis. The results show a 40% decrease in TAP and FWEP impacts if the target electricity production is achieved by 2035 compared to today's electricity mix. The study highlights the importance of considering various impact categories in environmental assessments.