A Comparative Lifecycle Assessment Framework for Automotive Battery Storage Systems

<div>The transportation sector faces heightened scrutiny to implement sustainable technologies due to market trends, escalating climate change and dwindling fossil fuel reserves. Given the decarbonization efforts underway in the sector, there are now rising concerns over the sustainability challenges in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. This study leverages ISO 14040 Lifecycle Assessment methodology to evaluate EVs, internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) spanning cradle-to-grave lifecycle phases. To accomplish this an enhanced triadic sustainability metric (TSM) is introduced that integrates greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), energy consumption, and resource depletion. Results indicate EVs emit approximately 29% fewer GHG emissions than ICEVs but about 4% more than HEVs on the current the US grid, with breakeven sustainability achieved within a moderate mileage range compared to ICEVs. Renewable energy integration on the grid significantly enhances EV performance, reducing emissions up to 31% with full renewable adoption, thereby lowering breakeven mileage substantially. The TSM framework clearly highlights optimal EV sustainability under 50%–70% renewable scenarios versus ICEVs and HEVs, offering policy makers a balanced metric for decision-making. These findings provide actionable frameworks for automotive engineers and policy makers to advance sustainable transportation through renewable grid upgrades and optimized battery design.</div>