Are the electric vehicles more sustainable than the conventional ones? Influences of the assumptions and modeling approaches in the case of typical cars in China

In order to make the sustainable development of transport system, China has taken actions toward electrification transition vehicles. However, whether electric vehicles (EVs) are more environmentally friendly than conventional internal combustion engine (ICEVs) in is still not clear due a lack complete and consistent environmental impact comparison This study takes vehicle models from BYD Qin Pro series as illustrations compare battery (BEV) plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with ICEV. The profiles across whole life cycle within set indicators analyzed. key aspects that may heavily influence impacts, i.e. regional heterogeneity, technology improvement different modeling methods (attributional vs consequential) choices, further tested, respectively. results show already today BEV PHEV powered by current average Chinese electricity mix offer 23% 17% reduction global warming potential (GWP), respectively, compared gasoline But it achieved at expense considerable increases mineral resource scarcity ecological human toxicity, etc. All factors considered markedly influences on EVs, even up 51% GWP differences for application. And they all have possibility reverse priorities some categories among ICEV, PHEV.