Comparative energy, economic, and environmental assessment of conventional and alternative fuel vehicles across Canadian provinces

This thesis evaluates passenger car powertrains and fuels across Canadian provinces in terms of environmental impact, economic cost, and energy efficiency. A life cycle assessment using TRACI methods assessed six environmental categories. Results show that FCEVs perform best in Manitoba (0.065 kg CO₂ eq/km), BEVs in British Columbia (0.07 kg CO₂ eq/km), LPG vehicles in Alberta (AP 0.013 mol H⁺ eq/km; RE 5.38 × 10⁻⁵ kg PM₂.₅ eq/km), and HEVs in Saskatchewan (EP 7.07 × 10⁻⁶ kg N eq/km; POP 0.0002 kg NOₓ eq/km). Economically, HEVs were most cost-effective in most provinces, with lifetime costs ranging from C$83,631 (British Columbia) to C$105,496 (Alberta). BEVs also emerged as viable alternatives in Manitoba (C$90,159) and Saskatchewan (C$83,144). In terms of energy, BEVs achieved the highest well-to-wheel efficiency (30.37%), followed by HEVs (14.5%). Overall, BEVs are most suitable for Ontario, British Columbia, and the Atlantic Provinces; HEVs for Alberta and Saskatchewan; and FCEVs for Quebec and Manitoba.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Hossain, Tanjima

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Dincer, Ibrahim
• McKellar, Jennifer

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/2006

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/2006