Work

Comparative analysis of total cost of ownership and well-to-wheel emissions for electric freight vehicles: A case study for South Korea

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this study, the economic and environmental performances of 1-ton freight vehicles in Korea powered by diesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and electricity, were evaluated. A scenario-based total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis was integrated with a well-to-wheel (WtW) life-cycle assessment of air pollutant emissions, focusing on four realistic operational scenarios. The results show that diesel vehicles have the lowest TCO under baseline conditions, whereas electric vehicles (EVs) are more cost-effective with high mileage or subsidy support. LPG vehicles offer limited advantages in specific scenarios. WtW analysis reveals that EVs significantly reduce CO2 (-30%), NOx (-93%), and CO (-85%) emissions compared to those of diesel, although particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm and SOx emissions remain higher owing to fossil fuel-based power generation in Korea. Monetized damage costs confirm these trends: EVs reduce externalities by up to $5,300, and $1,600 compared to diesel, and LPG, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of EVs as a sustainable freight option when combined with policy support and cleaner electricity generation.

Source: Energy Conversion and Management X

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecmx.2025.101332

Authors: Gwangryeol Lee, Suhan Park

Institution: Konkuk University

Language: English

Topic: Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

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

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,170