Environmental impacts and impact on the electricity market of a large scale introduction of electric cars in Europe: critical review of literature

Within the scope of this paper the potential environmental impacts and the impact on the electricity market of a large scale introduction of electric cars in Europe have been studied upon an extensive literature review. In light of the GHG emission reduction requirements mentioned above, the potential future contribution of the transport sector by the introduction of electric vehicles is addressed. In addition, further environmental concerns, such as local air pollutant and noise emissions and vehicle life cycle emissions were also examined on the basis of the findings in the reviewed literature. Key factors which determine the environmental effect of a large-scale introduction of electric vehicles are: 1. Total energy demand of electric vehicles on the market, 2. GHG and further emissions of the electricity generation for electric vehicle energy supply. In the scope of this technical paper, all relevant aspects influencing these key factors have been addressed based on the findings of available studies on electric vehicles, and aspects where further research is needed have been identified. For the determination of the total energy demand of electric vehicles, information is needed with regard to the energy demand per state of the art EV, the mileage which can be substituted in electric driving mode, and the assumed future market penetration.