New task on life cycle assessment of electric vehicles in IEA IA-HEV (Hybrid and Electric Vehicles)

Electric vehicles have the potential to substitute conventional vehicles to contribute to the sustainable development of the transportation sector worldwide, e.g. reduction of greenhouse gas and particle emissions. There is international consensus that the improvement of the sustainability of electric vehicles can only be analysed on the basis of life cycle assessment (LCA) including the production, operation and the end of life treatment of the vehicles. For example, about 90% of the greenhouse gas emissions of a vehicle running on renewable electricity from hydro power derive from the production and end of life treatment of the vehicle, and only 10% stems from vehicle operation. Based on LCA activities in its 15 member countries, the TEA Implementing Agreement on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (lA-HEV) starts a new Task on the LCA of electric vehicles. The main topics to be addressed are: 1) LCA methodology, 2) frequently asked questions, 3) overview of international LCA studies, 4) parameters influencing the energy demand of vehicles, 5) LCA aspects of battery and vehicle production, 6) end of vehicle life management, 7) LCA aspects of electricity production, distribution and vehicle battery charging, 8) R&D demand, A Research Platform for Life Cycle Assessment and End of Life Management for Electric Vehicles is established in lA-HEV, to further augment the benefits and competitiveness of electric vehicles. The new lA-HEV Task "Life Cycle Assessment of Electric Vehicles - From raw material resources to waste management of vehicles with an electric drivetrain" started in November 2011 with three participating countries: Austria, United States and Switzerland. The operating agent is Gerfried Jungmeier from JOANNEUM RESEARCH in Austria. The Task will end in 2015.