Comparative life cycle assessment of heavy duty vehicles and buses in Qatar using a cradle to grave system boundary
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Alishaq, Abdulla
Mwabonje, Onesmus
Kallitsis, Evangelos
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The transportation sector significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, with heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) and buses accounting for approximately a quarter of transportation emissions. This paper explores the life cycle assessment of these vehicle types, assessing their environmental impacts in Qatar during production, operation, and end-of-life stages leveraging a cradle-to-grave system boundary from the year 2022 until 2050. Additionally, the study investigates their potential roles in decarbonizing the transport sector through emerging technologies and policy interventions. The key findings highlight the importance of electrification, alternative fuels, and efficiency improvements in reducing emissions, emphasizing the critical role of HDVs and buses in achieving sustainable transport systems. The results indicate that transitioning from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV) to battery electric vehicles (BEV) can lead to reductions in global warming potential (BEV HDVs and Buses reflecting 33.5% and 32.8% reduction) and particulate matter emissions (from 3.09E-04 kg PM2.5-eq/km in 2022 to 2.15E-04 kg PM2.5-eq/km in 2050 for HDVs). The decline in PM2.5 emissions will improve urban air quality and reducing public health risks. However, the shift to BEVs increases mineral resource depletion due to battery production, necessitating improved recycling strategies and sustainable raw material sourcing. This study provides critical insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders, highlighting the need for integrated approaches, including renewable energy investments, battery recycling initiatives, and electrification incentives. The transition to sustainable transportation is essential for achieving Qatar’s National Vision 2030, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and mitigating environmental impacts.
Date Issued
2025-11-01
Date Acceptance
2025-11-19
Citation
Environmental Research Communications, 2025, 7 (11)
ISSN
2515-7620
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Journal / Book Title
Environmental Research Communications
Volume
7
Issue
11
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Author(s). Published by IOP Publishing Ltd Original content from this work may be used under the terms of theCreative CommonsAttribution 4.0 licence. Any further distribution of thiswork must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of thework, journal citation and DOI.
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Publication Status
Published
Article Number
115028
Date Publish Online
2025-11-28