Technoeconomic Analysis and Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicle Introduction in Taxis: A Case Study of Mexico City

Abstract

In recent decades, urban air pollution has increased considerably in Mexico City, leading to harmful effects on the ecosystem. To reduce pollutant emissions, new sustainable technologies have been adopted in the transport sector. To date, no studies have conducted a technoeconomic analysis of the environmental impact of electric vehicles (EVs) in regard to taxis in Mexico. To address this gap in the research, this study aimed to perform a cost-environmental impact assessment of electric taxi introduction in Mexico City using the life-cycle cost (LCC) methodology and the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions assessment. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was performed to identify parameters with the greatest influence on the LCC. The LCC of EVs was found to be larger than that of internal combustion vehicles (ICVs); the acquisition cost was identified as the greatest contributor to the total LCC, followed by the maintenance cost. Worldwide, mixed results have been reported due to differences in the use of local parameters and values. To promote EVs, it is necessary to reduce either acquisition costs or battery costs. The environmental analysis showed that there is only a slight reduction in GHG emissions with electric taxi introduction. Nevertheless, cleaner renewable energy sources must be adopted and considered in order to achieve a much greater reduction and take full advantage of the benefits of EVs.

Application of Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods for Evaluation of Selected Passenger Electric Cars: A Case Study

“…This study takes into account specific territorial and political requirements as a basis for the development of batteries or fuel cells. The social aspects of electromobility lie, for example, in the so-called environmental responsibility, i.e., the effort of consumers to reduce their eco-footprint, with the aim of achieving so-called carbon-free urban mobility [11][12]. However, the issue of reducing the eco-footprint leads back to the technology and operation itself, because in the analysis of the life cycle of an electric vehicle, it is necessary to consider its components, their impact on environment and possible recyclability.…”

Life Cycle Cost Assessment of Electric, Hybrid, and Conventional Vehicles in Bangladesh: A Comparative Analysis

“…Fuentes and González [18] found that the LCC of EVs surpassed that of ICVs, with acquisition costs being the primary contributor to the overall LCC, followed by maintenance costs. In order to encourage the adoption of EVs, it is crucial to reduce either the acquisition costs or the battery costs.…”

“…Hence, the tax-adjusted cost of capital would be 7.92%. Different vehicle lifetimes have been used in different studies, for example, a lifetime of 8 years was used in [18], 12 years was used in [11], and 20 years was used in [24,30]. In our study, the vehicle lifetime is assumed to be 12 years.…”

Progress, Challenges and Opportunities of Electromobility in Mexico

“…In Mexico, 13 main companies offer electric vehicles: Audi, BMW, BYD, Ford, Hyundai, JAC, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mini, Renault, Toyota and Volvo. With that amount, it is in the regional average, with Colombia being the country with the most brands at present (21), followed by Costa Rica (19), Panama (15), Uruguay ( 14), Argentina and Paraguay (6), Ecuador (5) and Guatemala (3) [65]. One approach to addressing the first challenge could be to manufacture more models of electric cars at low costs within the country by creating regulations that encourage investment in new production plants in this sector since, currently, the legal framework presents different levels of progress and the rules of operation and regulations are not completely defined, which generates uncertainty among both national and foreign investors-this lack of clarity limits plans and projects related to electromobility [66].…”