Closing the Loop on Electric Vehicle Charging
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Sustainable energy systems (MPSES), MSc
Publicerad
2023
Författare
Agnéus, Amanda
Carlsson, Marika
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
This thesis investigates the environmental impact of AC chargers, focusing on European
stakeholders and regulations, with a specific emphasis on the Swedish context.
Employing a comprehensive approach, the charger’s life cycle is analyzed across three
stages: Beginning-of-Life, Middle-of-Life, and End-of-Life. Through interviews with
stakeholders and a thorough examination of each life cycle stage, key contributors
to environmental impacts are identified, and improvement measures are proposed.
The findings reveal notable trends within the charger industry, such as producers’
commitment to integrating sustainability in upcoming iterations and the importance
of transitioning to renewable energy sources to reduce Middle-of-Life emissions for
chargers. In the End-of-Life stage, sorting and pre-treatment processes enhance
recyclable material recovery, which is an important factor for circularity.
The findings have implications for sustainable charging solutions, particularly in Europe.
However, considering the regional focus, global applicability requires careful
evaluation. This thesis sheds light on the primary factors influencing the environmental
impact of AC chargers and presents practical improvement measures. The
research contributes to the development of sustainable and circular charging solutions,
particularly in the European context, for a sustainable future.
Keywords:
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
sustainability, , resource efficiency , electric vehicles , charging infrastructure , AC charger