Life cycle emissions of electric and internal combustion vehicles in Poland: a comparative assessment with distance intersection point analysis

Purpose This study examines the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of electric vehicles (EVs) in Poland, where the electricity grid remains one of the most polluting in the European Union (EU). Design/methodology/approach Using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach and a distance intersection point (DIP) calculator, the environmental performance of EVs was compared with internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) in three vehicle classes – small city cars, mid-size cars and SUVs – at different operational periods and annual mileage levels. Coefficients applied in the calculators were derived from literature and publicly available vehicle data. Emissions from the use phase reflect Polish grid decarbonization under the National Energy Policy (PEP2040). Findings The results show that while EVs generally have lower life cycle GHG emissions than ICEVs, the advantage depends on vehicle size, lifespan, mileage and electricity mix. Replacing a compact, fuel-efficient ICE with a larger EV can result in higher total emissions, whereas comparing vehicles within the same class – such as medium-sized cars or SUVs – EVs tend to perform better over time. For small city cars, the emission savings are less certain and depend heavily on annual mileage. Over a 16-year lifetime at 15,000 km/year, a mid-size EV emits about 40% less GHGs than an equivalent ICEV under PEP2040. Its DIP would be 114,000 km, decreasing to 73,000 km under an EU-aligned grid. Break-even distance decreases across all classes and the difference between PEP2040 and EU-aligned grid diminishes with vehicle size, due to higher battery production emissions. Originality/value EV sustainability results appear to be country specific and car size dependent.