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: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Máquinas y Motores Térmi. (Dpto. Ingeniería Mecánica)