Environmental Performance of Passenger Cars in the KSA: Comparison of Different Technologies via a Life Cycle Assessment Approach

  • Focus Area Transportation & Infrastructure Transportation & Infrastructure
  • Type Discussion paper
  • Date 18 December 2024
Print

Abstract

Analyzing the environmental performance of alternative vehicle technologies in the current energy landscape of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is very important given their expected role in future transportation systems. This study presents a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of sedans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) powered by different propulsion systems to analyze their environmental performance in the KSA context. The LCA examines multiple impact categories, with a particular focus on global warming potential (GWP). The results reveal that hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) consistently demonstrate the lowest GWP across both sedan and SUV vehicle classes, achieving reductions of approximately 30%, 28%, and 22%, respectively, compared with the baseline gasoline-powered internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) also exhibit lower GWP (approximately 16%) than do conventional ICEVs but to a lesser extent than do other advanced powertrains. The energy supply chain plays a crucial role for BEVs, including FCEVs and PHEVs, underscoring the importance of decarbonizing electricity and hydrogen (H2) production to realize the full environmental advantages of these technologies in the KSA.
In terms of deployment feasibility, PHEVs and HEVs have a distinct advantage over FCEVs, as they can leverage the existing electricity grid and fueling infrastructure, making them a more practical and readily available solution for reducing near-term emissions in the KSA transportation sector. Policymakers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to develop targeted incentives, regulations, and support mechanisms to accelerate the market penetration of these technologies while also considering strategies to address their multifaceted environmental implications.

Authors

Abdulrahman Alwosheel

Abdulrahman Alwosheel

Lead- Transportation & Infrastructure Abdulrahman is a Lead Transportation & Infrastructure expert at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC). Before joining KAPSARC,…

Abdulrahman is a Lead Transportation & Infrastructure expert at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC). Before joining KAPSARC, Abdulrahman was a Lecturer at the College of Engineering at Muhammed Ibn Saud University. He also worked as a Traffic Engineer at the Riyadh Metro project. His interests are in transport demand modeling, aviation transport, life cycle analysis, alternative fuels, and energy demand. Abdulrahman holds a master’s degree in Transportation Planning and Engineering and a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering.

Expertise

  • Transport Demand Modeling
  • Aviation Transport
  • Life Cycle Analysis
  • Alternative Fuels and Energy Demand

Publications See all Abdulrahman Alwosheel’s publications

Michael Samsu Koroma

Michael Samsu Koroma

Research Lead- Transportation & Infrastructure Michael is a Lead at KAPSARC working on the life cycle sustainability assessment of transport and energy systems. His focus…

Michael is a Lead at KAPSARC working on the life cycle sustainability assessment of transport and energy systems. His focus is on conventional and alternative powertrain systems, with a special interest in low-carbon fuels and energy pathways. He previously served as a Researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) on several Horizon 2020 transport research projects. Michael holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences from VUB.

Expertise

  • Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment
  • Low-Carbon Energy/Fuels
  • Alternative Powertrains
  • Just Transition
  • Circularity Principles

Publications See all Michael Samsu Koroma’s publications

Share this Publication

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay informed, inspired, and connected with KAPSARC.

Subscribe