Supply chain decarbonization of battery electric vehicles

Meine Bachelor-Thesis befasste sich mit der Frage, wie die Automobilindustrie bei der Produktion der kommenden E-Fahrzeuge Emissionen effizient einsparen kann. Die Arbeit wurde auf englisch geschrieben, deshalb jetzt der language switch to englisch:

Bachelors_Thesis_Supply_chain_decarbonization_of_BEVs.pdf

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Figures in order from top left to right bottom:

1. GHG distribution in BEV supply chain; 2. Comparison of GHG reduction potential in total BEV production of all considered measures; 3. Most feasible overarching measures; 4. Action recommendations for the automotive industry; 5. Scenario calculation; 6. Comparison of all metrics in a heatmap

Summary

How can we reduce supply chain emissions of upcoming electric vehicles?

This is the question I have spent the last Months with during my Bachelors-Thesis. The goal was to identify efficient measures and give action recommendations for the automotive industry. A task with high practical value, great relevance and a large leverage to cut emissions. So, I have summarized my findings and want to share with you my gained knowledge with figures attached:

1. steel, aluminum, and the battery cover around 75% of BEV supply chain emissions

2. renewable energy, secondary aluminum and secondary steel are the most effective actions of all considered measures

3. low carbon electricity is the backbone for deep decarbonization, as the environmental performance of proposed measures is dependent on clean electricity

4. Analyzed measures have a limited GHG reduction potential and can not achieve deep decarbonization, because major GHG sources remain along the supply chain

5. Uncovered GHG sources need to be addressed for climate neutrality, especially battery material production

I have come to these results by:

1. analyzing the GHG distribution of BEVs

2. analyzing, evaluating, and comparing 24 measures in the steel, aluminum and battery industry based on availability, GHG reduction potential and carbon abatement costs

4. interpret results and derive action recommendations

3. and calculate scenarios with recommended actions for short-, mid-, and long-term to showcase the effect on emission reduction and cost per vehicle

Huge thanks to Justus Poschmann and Peter Holzapfel, who guided and supported me during the thesis. It was a pleasure to work with you.

Abstract

Individual mobility will experience a shift to electric vehicles to mitigate transport emissions. Battery electric vehicles (BEV) as key technology reduce the life cycle carbon footprint compared to internal combustion engines but create higher climate impacts during production. Production emissions need to be reduced to assure decarbonization of advancing electrification. Therefore, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures in the supply chain of BEVs are identified and evaluated in this thesis. Goal is to derive action recommendations for the automotive industry. A hotspot analysis is conducted first to identify relevant components. The emission distribution of production processes of each hotspot material is presented. Decarbonization measures are selected from literature analysis and evaluated based on availability, GHG reduction and carbon abatement cost. An overarching comparison of all selected actions is conducted to identify efficient measures and derive action recommendations. Secondary aluminum, secondary steel, and renewable electricity in aluminum smelter and battery production were determined as efficient actions. Impacts of indirect electricity consumption are emphasized. Three scenarios for different time scales are calculated according to recommendations, illustrating the potential GHG reduction and cost for one vehicle. 43.1% reduction in 2050 could be achieved, showcasing necessity for further decarbonization actions. The discussion includes regional disparities.

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