Life Cycle Assessment of Electric Vehicles: Environmental Benefits and Hidden Costs

Abstract

The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) is widely regarded as a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. However, a comprehensive evaluation of their true environmental performance requires a full life cycle assessment (LCA) that considers emissions and resource use from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. the environmental impacts of electric vehicles across four primary stages: battery material extraction and processing, vehicle manufacturing, operational use, and recycling or disposal. EVs typically generate significantly lower tailpipe emissions compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, their overall environmental advantages depend heavily on electricity generation sources, battery chemistry, and production practices. Battery manufacturing, particularly lithium-ion battery production, contributes substantially to energy consumption, water use, and carbon emissions. Additionally, the extraction of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel raises concerns related to ecological degradation, resource depletion, and supply chain ethics.