摘要: |
A total energy cycle analysis (TECA) of electric vehicles (EVs) was recently completed. The EV energy cycle includes production and transport of fuels used in power plants to generate electricity, electricity generation required to charge EV batteries, EV operation, and vehicle and battery manufacture. The key assumptions and results of the EVTECA are summarized. The total energy requirements of EVs are estimated to be 24 to 35% lower than those of the conventional, gasoline-fueled vehicles that they replace, whereas the reductions in total oil use are even greater: 55 to 85%. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are 24 to 37% lower with EVs. EVs reduce total emissions of several air pollutants [volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides] but increase total emissions of others [sulfur oxide (SOx), total suspended particulates, and lead] over the total energy cycle. Regional emissions except possibly those of SOx are generally reduced with EVs. The limitations of the EVTECA are discussed, and its results are compared with those of other evaluations of EVs. In general, many of the results (particularly the results for oil use, GHGs, VOCs, CO, SOx, and lead) of the analysis are consistent with those of other evaluations. |