Comparative operational carbon footprints of a vehicle in Brazil: Electric, ethanol, and gasoline
Galiza, João Marcelo Fernandes Gualberto ; Guillén-Lambea, Silvia (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Carvalho, Monica
Resumen: This study quantifies the operational carbon footprint of the Renault Kwid E-Tech (electric vehicle) and Renault Kwid Intense flex (gasoline and ethanol internal combustion engine vehicle) under a Well-to-Wheel approach within the Brazilian context. With a functional unit of 100,000 km, this analysis evaluates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with fuel consumption and considers different electric mixes across Brazilian regions, along with the periodic maintenance of each vehicle type. The results reveal significant environmental benefits in regions such as the Northeast, where renewable energy sources predominate, reducing the carbon footprint of the electric model, with a carbon footprint of 0.071 kg CO2-eq/kWh. By contrast, the higher carbon intensity of the South’s electricity mix reliant on coal, with a carbon footprint of 0.281 kg CO2-eq/kWh, presents limitations in achieving emissions reductions with electric vehicles. Ethanol, a renewable biofuel in the Brazilian market, demonstrated a 46 % reduction in GHG emissions compared to gasoline. This study contributes to the sustainable mobility discourse, highlighting the critical role of regional energy sources, fuel choices, and sustainable production practices in emissions outcome. These insights support the development of policies encouraging cleaner energy matrices and biofuel use, contributing to Brazil's emissions reduction goals.
Idioma: Inglés
DOI: 10.1016/j.cles.2025.100194
Año: 2025
Publicado en: Cleaner energy systems 12 (2025), 100194 [8 pp.]
ISSN: 2772-7831
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/RYC2021-034265-I
Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)
Área (Departamento): Área Máquinas y Motores Térmi. (Dpto. Ingeniería Mecánica)
You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
Exportado de SIDERAL (2025-10-17-14:27:10)
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Idioma: Inglés
DOI: 10.1016/j.cles.2025.100194
Año: 2025
Publicado en: Cleaner energy systems 12 (2025), 100194 [8 pp.]
ISSN: 2772-7831
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/RYC2021-034265-I
Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)
Área (Departamento): Área Máquinas y Motores Térmi. (Dpto. Ingeniería Mecánica)
You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. You may not use the material for commercial purposes. Exportado de SIDERAL (2025-10-17-14:27:10)
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Record created 2025-06-12, last modified 2025-10-17