Circularity and environmental impacts of passenger vehicles

This report reviews circular economy principles and life cycle assessment (LCA) application throughout a passenger vehicle’s life cycle. Considering these approaches jointly allowed us to map sustainability perspectives and their interconnection. Supporting policy was also reviewed since it provides frameworks that industry must act within - with findings that sustainability requirements will be tightened, in particular for electric vehicle batteries. The review led to identification of key circularity factors and LCA parameters as well as an evaluation of research gaps that can be filled in further LCA work. Seven key gaps were identified, including 1) Vehicle and battery lifetime, 2) Maintenance resource and energy needs, 3) Operation energy use, 4) Vehicle utility, 5) Recyclability, 6) Vehicle and battery End-of-Life options, and 7) Allocation between multipurpose utilities. For these areas, we will collect and compile real-life vehicle and battery information/ statistics from CELECT-partners to compile detailed and comprehensive life cycle inventories.