Assessment of Passenger Car Electrification by Yearly Total CO2 Emission

CO2 greenhouse gas emission electrification battery real-world consumption life cycle assessment

Authors

  • István LERCHNER
    istvan.lerchner@zalazone.hu
    Automotive Proving Ground Zala Ltd., Zalaegerszeg, Hungary
  • Máté ZÖLDY Department of Environmental Economics and Sustainability, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary

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Global warming demands urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport being a major contributor. Electrification of passenger cars is widely promoted as a key mitigation strategy; however, its real-world impact remains debated. This study develops a calculation framework to estimate annual fleet-level greenhouse gas emissions based on actual consumption data, vehicle type distribution, age and mileage. Using this method, short- and mid-term drawbacks of electrification are quantified alongside long-term benefits through scenario analysis aligned with the European Union 2035 target. Results indicate that electrification begins to deliver net emission reductions after 2032, achieving a 5.3% decrease by 2035 compared to an internal combustion engine fleet. These findings highlight the temporal dynamics of electrification and provide evidence-based insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders.