Report: Life Cycle Assessment Based Rating Framework for Four-Wheeler Passenger Vehicles

The transport sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yet vehicle performance in India is primarily assessed based on tailpipe emissions and fuel efficiency. This report presents a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)-based environmental rating framework for four-wheeler passenger vehicles that evaluates GHG emissions across the entire vehicle life cycle, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to energy carrier production, vehicle use, maintenance, and logistics.

Developed specifically for the Indian automotive context, the framework applies internationally accepted LCA methodology and introduces a transparent rating mechanism to enable objective comparison of vehicles across different powertrain technologies, including petrol, diesel, CNG, hybrid, and battery electric vehicles. The methodology is demonstrated using a representative sample covering approximately 85 per cent of India's passenger vehicle sales (FY 2024–25), ensuring broad market relevance.

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The proposed rating system supports regulators, manufacturers, and consumers by shifting the focus from operational emissions alone to life cycle environmental performance. Designed as a dynamic framework, it automatically evolves with technological advancements and grid decarbonization, ensuring that environmental benchmarks remain relevant over time. The study also highlights its potential application in policy instruments, consumer information programmes, manufacturing incentives, and long-term sustainability initiatives aimed at accelerating India's transition towards low-carbon mobility.