Decarbonizing transport is central to global climate goals. Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach, yet dominant policy narratives continue to promote battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as a universally optimal solution. This study assesses that narrative by evaluating the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and environmental trade-offs of multiple passenger vehicle technologies – internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), BEVs, and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) – within Saudi Arabia’s petroleum-based and seasonally variable energy context. Using a temporally resolved life cycle assessment (LCA), we incorporate projected grid evolution, charging behaviors, and seasonal energy demand to assess climate and environmental outcomes over a 10-year lifespan of a vehicle. Results show that BEVs currently generate 15% higher life cycle GHG emissions than HEVs due to the carbon intensity of Saudi Arabia’s power sector.
