Life cycle environmental and economic assessment of electric bicycles with different batteries in China.

The use of electric bicycles (EBs) for short- and medium-distance travel provides an opportunity to decarbonize the transport sector. Using life cycle assessment, this study evaluated and compared the environmental and economic performances of EBs powered by four different types of batteries in China. The results show that EBs powered by lead-acid batteries have the worst environmental performance, whereas those powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries have the best environmental performance. Motor production was found to have the highest potential for metal depletion and toxicity for humans and ecology, owing to the use of copper in its production. These environmental consequences can be mitigated by continuous promotion of circular economy. The use stage brings about the most environmental pressure related to energy use. Power cleaning will reduce most environmental indicators by 10–25%. EBs powered by lithium manganate batteries have been a mainstream technology, but the short lifetime and low economic value of recycling the battery may constrain their development. [Display omitted] • Environmental and economic performance of electric bicycles (EBs) are evaluated. • Lead-acid battery EBs have the worst performance but use the least metals. • Motor is the component with the greatest environmental impact due to copper use. • Promoting circular economy can reduce environmental impact related to metal use. • EBs powered lithium-ion batteries have higher total cost but lower cost per km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]