Transitioning to Cleaner Transport: Evaluating the Environmental and Economic Performance of ICE, HEVs, and PHEVs in Bangladesh

Abstract

The transportation sector in South Asia largely depends on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which are responsible for a large share of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, air pollution, and the increase in fuel prices. Although hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fully electric vehicles (EVs) constitute promising alternatives, the rate of their implementation is low due to factors such as the high initial investment, the absence of the required infrastructure, and the reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity. This study is the first of its kind to examine Bangladesh’s drivetrain options in a comprehensive way, with in-depth real-world emission testing and economic analysis as the main tools of investigation into the environmental and economic feasibility of different technologies used in the vehicles available in Bangladesh, including lifecycle costs and infrastructure constraints. The study findings have shown that hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are the best options, since they have moderate emissions and cost efficiency, respectively. Fully electric vehicles, however, face two main challenges: the overall lack of charging infrastructure and the overall high purchase prices. Among the evaluated technologies, PHEVs exhibited the lowest environmental and economic burden. The Toyota Prius PHEV emitted 98% less NOx compared to the diesel-powered Pajero Sport and maintained the lowest per-kilometer cost at BDT 6.39. In contrast, diesel SUVs emitted 178 ppm NOx and cost 22.62 BDT/km, reinforcing the transitional advantage of plug-in hybrid technology in Bangladesh’s context.