The transition to electric-powered transport is a strategic step in Vietnam's roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, to fully understand the true value of electric vehicles (EVs), environmental experts and researchers must apply the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology rigorously [1].
LCA does not stop at measuring tailpipe emissions. Instead, it examines the entire process from raw material extraction to the end of the vehicle's life [3].
Core Concepts of Life Cycle Assessment
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a tool for measuring the comprehensive environmental impact of a vehicle. This model is typically divided into four main stages to ensure objectivity [2].
- Raw material extraction stage: Mining minerals such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt.
- Production stage: Assembly of battery packs, electric motors, and vehicle chassis.
- Operational stage: Indirect emissions from the electricity source used to charge the vehicle.
- End-of-life stage: Collection, reuse, and recycling of battery materials.
Understanding each stage provides policymakers with deep insights into the environmental impact of electric transport on a global scale.
Challenges in Battery Production
Lithium-ion battery production is an energy- and resource-intensive process. The embodied carbon of an EV is typically 30% to 70% higher than that of an internal combustion engine vehicle at the time it leaves the factory [3].
If not strictly controlled, mineral extraction can cause land degradation and water pollution. Therefore, businesses need to adopt circular economy practices for EV batteries: recycling and reuse strategies to minimize the carbon footprint from the input stage.
Impacts During the Operational Stage in Vietnam
In Vietnam, the operational stage is directly influenced by the emission factor of the national power grid. Although coal-fired power still accounts for a significant share, EVs still demonstrate superior energy efficiency [2].
Electric motors have an energy conversion efficiency of up to 90%, while internal combustion engines only reach about 20-30%. This disparity helps EVs reduce total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 20% to 40% compared to traditional gasoline vehicles [3].
As Vietnam implements green transport transitions toward Net Zero goals, the power grid will gradually shift toward renewable energy. This makes EVs increasingly environmentally friendly over time.
Optimizing the End-of-Life Stage
Managing used batteries is a critical link in the LCA. When battery capacity drops below 80%, they can still be repurposed as energy storage systems (ESS) for solar power [2].
The 2020 Law on Environmental Protection in Vietnam has established a legal framework for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Recovering precious metals from old batteries reduces the need for new mining, contributing to the protection of local ecosystems [1].
You can learn more about recycling precious metals from new technology EV batteries and the challenges in Vietnam to grasp modern technical solutions.
Carbon Break-even Point and Future Roadmap
A common question is: when do EVs actually become "greener" than gasoline cars? In Vietnam, an EV needs to operate for 25,000 km to 45,000 km to offset the emissions generated during the battery production process [3].
This corresponds to 1.5 to 3 years of average usage. After this milestone, the EV continuously generates net environmental benefits for society [2].
With the roadmap for EV development in Vietnam, we are getting closer to the goal of 100% green vehicles by 2050 [1].
More Information
- LCA (Life Cycle Assessment): A scientific methodology used to evaluate the entire environmental impact of a product from raw material extraction to disposal or recycling.
- Net Zero: The goal of achieving net-zero emissions, where the amount of greenhouse gases emitted is balanced by the amount removed from the atmosphere—a key commitment made by Vietnam at COP26.
- Embodied carbon: The total cumulative carbon emissions generated during the production, transportation, and assembly of a product's components before it begins its usage phase.
- EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility): An environmental policy requiring manufacturers to be responsible for the entire product lifecycle, including the collection and treatment of post-consumer waste.
- Grid emission factor: A measure of the average CO2 emissions produced per unit of electricity generated and transmitted within the national power system.