top of page
  • theresaskinnerao5

Automotive Decarbonization and Renewable Fuels



Despite the focus on electrifying powertrains in recent years, the automotive industry is unlikely to achieve zero-emission cars until 2050. Moreover, as vehicles become more complex, there is a risk of unexpected effects. To address this challenge, the European Commission has proposed amendments to the automotive CO2 emission legislation in June 2021. In addition to new legislation, the automotive sector needs a significant overhaul. In addition to electrification, renewable bio-based materials are crucial for achieving automotive decarbonization.


In this study, the effect of a change in the EU electricity mix on the GHG emissions of passenger cars is assessed. For this purpose, we used two EC modelling scenarios. First, the EU electricity mix in 2020 is compared to a low greenhouse-gas intensity electricity mix in 2050. Second, the effect of a change in the share of zero-emission vehicles (BEVs) in the fleet is evaluated.


For comparison purposes, we also consider first- and second-generation biofuels, which include bio-CCU and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). Bio-CCU is a renewable fuel that provides double services for the energy system, such as clean energy and the reduction of carbon emissions. The study also takes into account the use of second-generation biofuels, which are based on waste products and residues. This type of fuel could enable an increase in the production of sustainable biofuels.


The results show that a change in the electricity mix will have a significant impact on the material emissions of the vehicle. This effect is particularly significant for ICE vehicles. In the baseline scenario, the material emissions of vehicles will increase from 18 percent of the total life cycle emissions in 2015 to over 60 percent by 2040. This increase would be offset by 29 percent of the material emissions being abated cost-effectively by 2030. This result implies that current climate policy instruments are inadequate.


In addition, the study showed that the overall global warming potential (GWP) of a vehicle is lower if it is powered by renewable fuels than if it is fueled with fossil fuels. This effect was calculated by a linear regression model based on data from eleven modern ICEVs. In addition, the model includes the end-of-life emissions of batteries, which were estimated to be 12% of the production value. Consequently, the current method of carbon accounting is not applicable to the fossil fuel fueled ICEV fleet. See page to discover more about renewable fuels.


The study finds that the automotive sector's ability to reach its climate goals is dependent on a combination of electrification and renewable fuels. It also shows that policy instruments should adopt a life cycle perspective, rather than a technology-neutral perspective, on GHG emissions. If these policy instruments fail to adopt a life cycle perspective, they will not have an effective impact on the automotive sector's climate impact. The study also highlights the importance of implementing policies that will promote an increased supply of sustainably produced renewable fuels. In addition to renewable fuels, other measures that can be taken to reduce GHG emissions include reducing demand for transport, improving recycling and adopting new technologies. Here is a post with a general information about this topic,check it out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_economy_in_automobiles.



6 views0 comments
bottom of page