A study by Melissa Cusack Striepe at the University of Toronto found that applying a 12-year lifespan cap on conventional light-duty vehicles can be effective in reducing cumulative GHG emissions, especially under a 100% EV sales target by 2035. This is because the shorter lifespan of conventional vehicles reduces the overall fuel use GHG emissions, which is a significant contributor to their carbon footprint.
The study examined the impact of different light-duty vehicle lifespan caps, ranging from 10 to 15 years, on cumulative GHG emissions under various EV sales targets. The results showed that a 12-year lifespan cap, combined with a 100% EV sales target by 2035, can lead to a significant reduction in cumulative GHG emissions compared to longer lifespans or lower EV sales targets.