KAPSARC – Assessing Passenger Car Emissions in Saudi Arabia

The main topic of the report is the assessment of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental trade-offs of different passenger car technologies (including internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles) in the context of Saudi Arabia's energy system.

Key findings include: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) currently generate 15% more lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) due to the carbon intensity of Saudi Arabia's power sector. With the decarbonization of the power system, BEV emissions can be reduced by up to 28% over their lifecycle. The timing and season of BEV charging significantly affect emissions, with nighttime charging producing 90% more emissions than daytime, and summer charging producing about 16% more emissions than winter.