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Well-to-wheel water footprints of conventional versus electric vehicles in the United States: A state-based comparative analysis.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Well-to-wheel water footprints of conventional versus electric vehicles in the United States: A state-based comparative analysis.
Authors: Onat, Nuri Cihat1, Kucukvar, Murat1,2 mkucukvar@qu.edu.qa, Tatari, Omer3
Source: Journal of Cleaner Production. Dec2018, Vol. 204, p788-802. 15p.
Subjects: Electric vehicles & the environment, Water consumption, Ecological impact, Internal combustion engine combustion, Energy policy
Geographic Terms: United States
Abstract: Abstract Today, increasing levels of water demand become a particularly serious challenge for many countries, especially since water is an essential element for production of transportation fuels. Unfortunately, no research efforts as of now have been directed specifically toward understanding the fundamental relationship between the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and water demand. This research aims to fill this knowledge gap by analyzing the water consumption and withdrawal impacts resulting from the increased usage of alternative vehicle technologies in the United States. 5 vehicle types - Internal Combustion Vehicles (ICVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV20, PHEV40) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) - are analyzed across 50 U.S. states with 3 different electricity generation mix profiles: the state-based average electricity generation mix, the state-based marginal electricity generation mix, and a hypothetical electricity generation mix consisting entirely of solar-powered charging stations. The well-to-wheel (WTW) life cycle analysis is used for the water footprint calculations. In worst case, BEVs may consume up to 70 times more water than ICVs. BEVs with solar charging have the lowest levels of water consumption and withdrawal and can reduce transportation water footprint by up to 97%. In most of the states, the marginal electricity generation mix has higher water consumption and withdrawal values than those of the average electricity generation mix. In particular, the authors suggest the use of BEVs with solar charging for states with the highest water-stressed areas (California (CA), Arizona (AZ), Nevada (NV), Florida (FL), etc.), and recommend the inclusion of incentives by federal and state governments for these states. Highlights • A well-to-wheel water footprint analysis is conducted for conventional and electric vehicles in USA. • Water consumption and withdrawal of BEVs are highly sensitive to regional differences. • The marginal electricity generation mix has higher water consumption and withdrawal values. • BEV with solar charging has the lowest levels of water consumption and withdrawal. • BEV with solar charging is suggested for the highest water-stressed states such as CA, AZ, NV and FL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Abstract Today, increasing levels of water demand become a particularly serious challenge for many countries, especially since water is an essential element for production of transportation fuels. Unfortunately, no research efforts as of now have been directed specifically toward understanding the fundamental relationship between the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and water demand. This research aims to fill this knowledge gap by analyzing the water consumption and withdrawal impacts resulting from the increased usage of alternative vehicle technologies in the United States. 5 vehicle types - Internal Combustion Vehicles (ICVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV20, PHEV40) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) - are analyzed across 50 U.S. states with 3 different electricity generation mix profiles: the state-based average electricity generation mix, the state-based marginal electricity generation mix, and a hypothetical electricity generation mix consisting entirely of solar-powered charging stations. The well-to-wheel (WTW) life cycle analysis is used for the water footprint calculations. In worst case, BEVs may consume up to 70 times more water than ICVs. BEVs with solar charging have the lowest levels of water consumption and withdrawal and can reduce transportation water footprint by up to 97%. In most of the states, the marginal electricity generation mix has higher water consumption and withdrawal values than those of the average electricity generation mix. In particular, the authors suggest the use of BEVs with solar charging for states with the highest water-stressed areas (California (CA), Arizona (AZ), Nevada (NV), Florida (FL), etc.), and recommend the inclusion of incentives by federal and state governments for these states. Highlights • A well-to-wheel water footprint analysis is conducted for conventional and electric vehicles in USA. • Water consumption and withdrawal of BEVs are highly sensitive to regional differences. • The marginal electricity generation mix has higher water consumption and withdrawal values. • BEV with solar charging has the lowest levels of water consumption and withdrawal. • BEV with solar charging is suggested for the highest water-stressed states such as CA, AZ, NV and FL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:09596526
DOI:10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.09.010