Work

Fuel cell and electric vehicles: Resource use and associated environmental impacts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Achieving transport decarbonization depends on electric vehicle (EV) and fuel cell vehicle (FCV) deployment, yet their material demands and impacts vary by vehicle type. This study explores how powertrain preferences in light-duty vehicles (LDVs) and heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) shape future resource use and material-related environmental outcomes. Using dynamic material flow analysis and prospective life cycle assessment, we assess three scenarios. In the S3 EV-dominant scenario, 2050 lithium and cobalt demand rises by up to 11.9× and 1.8× over 2020, with higher global warming and human toxicity impacts. The S2 FCV-dominant scenario leads to a 21.7× increase in platinum-group metal demand, driving up freshwater ecotoxicity and particulate emissions. A balanced S1 scenario, EVs in LDVs and FCVs in HDVs, yields moderate material demand and environmental burdens. These findings demonstrate no single pathway resolves material-related impacts, but combining EVs and FCVs across LDVs and HDVs enables a more balanced and sustainable transition.

Source: Resources Conservation and Recycling

DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108646

Authors: Zhenyang Chen, Rene Kleijn, Chunbo Zhang, Hai Xiang Lin

Institutions: Leiden University, University College London, Delft University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,270