Comparative assessment of social impacts: conventional vehicles versus battery electric vehicles

This study assesses and compares the social impacts of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) using the Social Hotspots Database (SHDB) and Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) methodology. The research focuses on the Japanese automotive industry, analyzing three scenarios: business-as-usual (BAU), widespread adoption, and a 2035 ICEV ban. The study examines social risks across various categories, including labor rights, human rights, health and safety, governance, and community access. Results indicate that BEVs present higher social risks than ICEVs due to manufacturing and battery replacement phase. They show lower risks in the well-to-wheel phase compared to ICEVs. The analysis reveals that increased BEV adoption correlates with reduced overall social impact. Key social hotspots identified include issues related to raw material extraction, battery manufacturing, and supply chain transparency. The study highlights the complex challenges in ensuring a sustainable and ethically responsible transition to electric mobility.