Comparative carbon footprint of electric and hydrogen vehicles: Insights from Morocco, Africa, and global energy transitions

Abstract

This study explores the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen vehicles (HVs) to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions compared to thermal vehicles in various national energy contexts. Emissions are analyzed across production, deployment, and end-of-life stages, including recycling and non-recycling pathways. Results show that electric vehicles achieve substantial emissions reductions even in energy systems dominated by fossil fuels. For hydrogen vehicles, emissions vary significantly depending on the energy source. Those powered by carbon-intensive hydrogen generate higher emissions than combustion vehicles, while those using green hydrogen demonstrate transformative potential, surpassing electric vehicles in long-term emissions reduction. Countries with low-carbon energy mixes, such as France and Kenya, perform best, while nations reliant on fossil fuels face major challenges. In Morocco, accelerating investments in renewable energy and green hydrogen present an opportunity to strategically adopt hydrogen and electric vehicles, maximizing carbon savings and strengthening energy resilience. Overall, this study provides actionable insights for reducing global transport emissions through renewable energy adoption.