Quantifying Spatially Dynamic Transportation Carbon Footprint of New Energy Batteries: The GIS-LCA Based Interpretable Approach

Abstract

This study focuses on the transportation-driven spatial characteristics and dynamics, carbon footprint (CF), and environmental impact of new energy batteries from material acquisition to manufacturing. Based on the life cycle assessment (LCA) method, transportation data are obtained through the GIS-LCA platform to construct a quantification framework for analyzing the railway transportation CF of lithium-ion, solid-state (Li-FeS2, LLZO, LiPON), and hydrogen fuel cells (HFCs). Within a cradle-to-grave life cycle framework, transportation CF varies across battery technologies. NMC batteries show comparatively higher transport-related CF (0.512 kgCO2 eq), while HFC systems show lower values (0.00973 kgCO2 eq), primarily driven by raw material type, transportation distance, and the spatial distribution of production bases. The transportation CF accounts for less than 10% of the production phase, but its path spatial dynamics and regional logistics network differences lead to significant carbon emission (CE) distribution variations, such as PVC transportation CEs in the Shanghai base being over 95% lower than those in Beijing. The study provides scientific support for low-carbon technology pathway selection, supply chain layout optimization, and regional collaborative emission reduction in the battery industry. These findings support localized sourcing and spatially optimized supply chains to reduce the level of transportation emissions.