Powered light vehicles a ‘great opportunity’ to decarbonise transport

Powered light vehicles, such as mopeds and small city cars, can deliver greenhouse gas (GHG) emission savings, according to a new study from Zemo Partnership. 

Using life-cycle analysis (LCA), it compared the greenhouse gas emissions performance of powered light vehicles (PLV), including powered two wheelers (PTW), with larger vehicles.

The study, commissioned by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), the  representative body for powered two, three and four-wheeled light vehicles, assessed eight typical use cases where PLVs could replace traditional cars and vans. The work considered both traditional ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles and BEVs (battery electric vehicles).

The research found that in almost every use case, where the load requirements enable use of a PLV, substantial greenhouse gas (GHG) emission savings were delivered.

It also showed that there are significant GHG gains to be had by moving to smaller and lighter vehicles, combined with progressive electrification.

Furthermore, it reveals that the biggest savings can be seen when using electric PLVs for intensive commercial operations such as scooter delivery or urban parcel delivery operations, or heavy commuting use.

Examples of Powered Light Vehicles (PLVs) 

Andy Eastlake, Zemo Partnership CEO, said: “There’s a great opportunity to decarbonise transport through the use of smaller lighter vehicles and to multiply the gains we can achieve through electrification.

“We should embrace PLVs as a key part of the spectrum of road transport solutions, which of course range from active, shared and public transport, through to cars, vans and HGVs.”

Eastlake explains that detailed life-cycle assessment is a “fundamental consideration” in the context of transport decarbonisation but is critically dependent on the assumptions around vehicle lifetime, mileage and battery replacement as well as the rate of decarbonisation of the electricity grid over time.

“Hopefully this new study begins to inform that discussion and paves the way for our ongoing work with Government and the MCIA,” he added.

The study showed that significant benefits can be gained by using electric zero emission PLVs which require smaller batteries, have lower GHG production impacts and lower energy requirements in use.

Furthermore, in higher mileage applications, the benefits of zero tailpipe emissions operation are amplified even using today’s grid electricity, but for very low mileage use the embedded GHG of a BEV means battery size is critical.

MCIA CEO, Tony Campbell, said: “Our sector has always been a staunch advocate of the right vehicle for the right journey approach.

“Today’s findings show why giving road users access to a variety of transport solutions that satisfy a particular need at a particular time, is and must be the way forward.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our work with the Government on finalising our sector’s ‘Action Plan’ and remain steadfast in ensuring its full and proper implementation next year.”

Further information is included in the study which can be downloaded here.