The Net Zero Challenge – Life Cycle Impacts on Propulsion System Technologies, Supply Chains & the Regulatory Landscape

Authors

Dr. M. Bell, S. Kollamthodi, N. Hill, A. Greaney, Ricardo plc, Shoreham-by-Sea

Year

2020

Print Info

Fortschritt-Berichte VDI, Reihe 12, Nr. 813

Summary

Eighteen of the EU’s 28 members have indicated that they will support an objective for full carbon emissions neutrality by 2050. In addition, the European Parliament has voted for the Commission to propose a regulatory Life Cycle framework by the end of 2026. These policy drivers, and the related increasing deployment of low carbon fuels and electric/electrified vehicle technologies, have increased focus on the need to consider the full environmental impacts from road transport, not just the “in use” emissions. The implementation of a broader, and more holistic, Life Cycle impacts framework has significant implications for materials supply, sourcing and recycling. It will also impact on propulsion system selection and future fuels and energy for road transport. There are significant challenges in implementing a Life Cycle based regulatory framework and this paper provides some examples and potential options from Ricardo’s extensive experience in Life Cycle Assessments in a range of sectors. Ricardo has also been contracted by the European Commission to support this new approach and some of the challenges and options are discussed.