Impact of the Electric Vehicle Policies on Environment and Health in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region

Abstract

China is implementing intensive policies on electric vehicles to control air pollution in urban regions, especially the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region, one of the most polluted areas in China. The development of electric vehicles will lead to an increase in electricity demand. Because electricity is mostly generated by thermal power in China, primary energy consumption will also increase. This study sets two scenarios: with the electric vehicle policies scenario (REN) and without the electric vehicle policies scenario (FOS) to compare electric vehicle policy’s impact. We quantified the health benefits of the electric vehicle policies in the BTH region by using an integrated assessment framework. Compared with scenario FOS, the local PM2.5 emission will reduce by 11.38%, 15.12%, 22.27%, and the concentration will reduce by 18.84%, 20.04%, and 19.57% in Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei separately by 2030 in REN. The electric vehicle policies can avoid 23.5 million morbidities and 4.6 thousand mortalities and save CNY 20.65 billion using the value of statistical life and 1.5 million work loss days in 2030 in REN. Our results show that electric vehicle policy can bring a remarkably positive benefit to public health and the economy.

Effect of Battery-Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles on PM2.5 Emissions in 29 European Countries

“…The negative impact of electric vehicles (e.g., BEVs and PHEVs) on PM2.5 emissions were found by several authors (e.g., Rangaraju et al [10]; Timmers and Achten [11]; Alam et al [12]; Vilchez et al [13]; Xiong et al [14]; Ajanovic and Haas [15]; Wang et al [16]; Vilchez and Jochem [17]; Wang et al [18]; Andersson and Börjesson [19]; Zhao et al [20]; and Ma et al [21]). According to Ajanovic and Haas [15], electric vehicles (e.g., BEVs and PHEVs) can mitigate environmental degradation.…”

“…Under two alternative scenarios, a 52% to 69% reduction in CO 2 is possible, while only a 9% to 15% reduction in PM2.5 by 2035 is achievable. Ma et al [21] investigated the impact of electric vehicle policies on the environment in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei District under two scenarios. The results showed that under the electric vehicle policy (REN) scenario, PM2.5 emissions will decrease by 18.84%, 20.04% and 19.57% by 2030 in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, respectively.…”

“…Of the few studies in technologies and engineering, most have shown that electric vehicles improve the environment and reduce PM2.5 emissions, CO 2 emissions, and greenhouse emissions by assessing the life cycle of electric cars, with a particular focus on BEVs and PHEVs (e.g., Rangaraju et al [10]; Timmers and Achten [11]; Alam et al [12]; Vilchez et al [13]; Xiong et al [14]; Ajanovic and Haas [15]; Wang et al [16]; Vilchez and Jochem [17]; Wang et al [18]; Andersson and Börjesson [19]; Zhao et al [20]; and Ma et al [21]).…”

Evaluation of the Effect of Chassis Dynamometer Load Setting on CO2 Emissions and Energy Demand of a Full Hybrid Vehicle

“…Increasing blockades, especially of diesel cars, and the development of green strategies in the automotive sector have led to a growing interest in hybrid and electric cars [4,5]. The main reason for this is that these vehicles save on fuel costs and, additionally, because of their potentially large contribution to environmental protection [6,7].…”

Securing Decarbonized Road Transport – a Comparison of How EV Deployment Has Become a Critical Dimension of Battery Security Strategies for China, the EU, and the US.

“…The introduction of NEVs within Chinese cities has been shown to deliver considerable improvements to local air quality if done at scale. This can yield considerable benefits to local public health and economic activity(Ma, Madaniyazi & Xie, 2021). 12 In the context of this paper, BEVs and PHEVs are the focal point when referring to Chinas NEV policies.…”