Study on Life Cycle Carbon Emissions of Light Commercial Vehicles

In alignment with China’s national strategic objectives of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”, this study aims to pinpoint key greenhouse gas emission sources across the full life cycle of light commercial vehicles. A specific model of gasoline-powered truck is selected as the research subject for this investigation. Using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework and strictly following relevant international and national standards, this study constructs a three-stage accounting model covering the “raw material– manufacturing–use” process. This model quantifies the vehicle’s carbon emissions across all life stages and provides a detailed breakdown of their composition. Over 90% of the truck’s total carbon footprint stems from its use phase alone, highlighting this stage as the primary emission source. Within the use phase, the well-to-wheel emissions of gasoline are the main emission source. During the materials acquisition and processing stage, the smelting processes of steel and aluminum (including aluminum alloys) are the primary contributors to carbon emissions. The findings of this study can provide data support and technical references for commercial vehicle enterprises in low-carbon product design, green supply chain management, and the formulation of industry carbon emission standards.