Assessing the Cross-Sectoral Economic–Energy–Environmental Impacts of Electric-Vehicle Promotion in Taiwan

Abstract

Few studies have examined the cross-sectoral impacts of electric vehicles on the economy, energy, and the environment. This study adopted hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and pure-battery electric vehicles as research objects in establishing an input–output analysis framework of the electric-vehicle industry. Learning curves and scenario analysis were also used to explore the cross-sectoral economic–energy–environmental impacts of electric-vehicle promotion, using Taiwan as a case study. Our results indicated that by 2040, electric vehicles will create an output value of 157~186.7 billion NTD, while boosting employment and reducing energy expenditures but having a negligible impact on income. It is expected that by 2040, the adoption of electric vehicles will reduce energy consumption to 65~82% of the levels required for vehicles using internal-combustion engines. Electric vehicles are expected to reduce CO2 and NOX emissions but increase PM2.5 emissions, with little effect on SOX emissions.