Marichal, XavierChenut, JulietteJulietteChenutMathieu, MaximeMaximeMathieu2025-05-142025-05-142025-05-142024https://hdl.handle.net/2078.2/40618This master’s thesis aims to compare the CO2equivalent (CO2eq.) emissions of Battery Elec- tric Vehicles (BEVs) and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEVs) fuelled with petrol and diesel over their entire life cycle (LC). The study seeks to identify which phases have the most significant impact on CO2eq. emissions for each vehicle type. It addresses the question: ’Which type of car (ICEVs diesel/petrol and BEVs) emits the most CO2eq. over its entire LC and which phases are the most impactful’? The underlying aim of this master’s thesis is to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the situation, given the number of divergent conclusions and findings in the literature. This research employs the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, as defined by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 14040. LCA is chosen for its comprehensive evaluation of environmental impacts from raw material extraction, production, use, to end-of- life processes, providing a cradle-to-grave analysis. A literature review on the subject (LCA of BEVs and ICEVs) was carried out including data from scientific articles, industrial texts, and popular sources to ensure a broad and accurate perspective. The CO2eq. emissions results of all these data sources are then pooled to obtain a single CO2eq. emissions value for each phase and total LC for each type of car. The findings indicate that BEVs have higher CO2eq. emissions during the production phase, primarily due to battery manufacturing and during the origin and production of the fuel but with potential improvements when loaded with renewable energy. However, BEVs show sig- nificantly lower, even null, results during the use phase. ICEVs consistently emit CO2 through- out their operational life due to fossil fuel combustion. The end-of-life phase reveals potential for emissions reduction through effective recycling, particularly for BEV batteries. The study also highlights regional variations, with different energy mixes and regulatory environments impacting overall CO2eq. emissions. The research concludes that BEVs offer a lower total carbon footprint compared to ICEVs, par- ticularly as the electricity mix becomes greener. This underscores the need for advancements in renewable energy sources, battery production and recycling technologies. Policymakers and industry stakeholders should support these developments and promote the use of renewable energy for charging infrastructure. The study also supports the fact that the end consumer is a key point in this analysis via their driving behavior and their purchasing choices as a consumer. These findings provide valuable insights for making informed decisions towards sustainable automotive practices and highlight the importance of a holistic approach to evaluating vehicle environmental impacts.LCACarbon footprintEnvironmentBattery Electric VehicleInternal Combustion Engine Vehicletext::thesis::master thesisthesis:47104