# A provincial cost analysis of electric vehicle operation in China

## TL;DR

This study analyzes the operational costs of electric vehicles across different regions in China, highlighting significant cost variations influenced by geography and vehicle type.

## Contribution

A novel provincial assessment method is introduced to evaluate and quantify the levelized cost of operation for electric vehicles in China.

## Key findings

- EV operational costs range from $1.36/100 km for private vehicles in the northwest to $26.09/100 km for trucks in the northeast.
- Charging options and vehicle features increase cost disparities across regions.
- GHG emission costs contribute to regional differences in EV deployment.

## Abstract

The transition to all-electric driving is essential for achieving carbon reduction goals in China’s transportation sector, which is significantly influenced by economic costs and emission reduction benefits. In this study, a comprehensive provincial assessment method is developed to quantify the levelized cost of operation (LCOO) for four electric vehicle (EV) types in China, revealing a complex interaction between geographical, economic, and technological factors. We find that the LCOO of EVs ranges from $1.36/100 km for private light-duty vehicles in the northwest region to $26.09/100 km for heavy-duty trucks in the northeast region. The results emphasize the significant disparities in the LCOO of EVs across vehicle types and regions while underscoring the relative importance of various cost components. With the widespread electrification of transportation, there is an urgent requirement for a comprehensive model to disaggregate and estimate the LCOO considering multiple factors, and formulate targeted strategies for expediting EV regional development.

•A provincial assessment method is proposed for evaluating the EV operational costs in China•Average EV operational costs range from $1.45/100 km for LDVs to $23.59/100 km for HDTs•Charging options and vehicle features increase the disparity in EV operational cost•The costs of GHG emissions for EVs increase the heterogeneity of regional EV deployment

A provincial assessment method is proposed for evaluating the EV operational costs in China

Average EV operational costs range from $1.45/100 km for LDVs to $23.59/100 km for HDTs

Charging options and vehicle features increase the disparity in EV operational cost

The costs of GHG emissions for EVs increase the heterogeneity of regional EV deployment

Applied sciences; Electrical engineering; Economics