Comparative assessment of social impacts: conventional vehicles versus battery electric vehicles
Department of Industrial Engineering, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia.
Review
World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences, 2024, 13(02), 459–471.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjaets.2024.13.2.0608
Publication history:
Received on 28 October 2024; revised on 04 December 2024; accepted on 07 December 2024
Abstract:
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.
Keywords:
Internal combustion engine vehicle; Battery electric vehicle; Social life cycle assessment; Supply chain
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Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0