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The demand for e-commerce platforms has rapidly increased over the last years leading to increase demand on last mile delivery (LMD) services. Not to fall short of 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets in the transport sector transitioning to sustainable LMD solutions is the key. Adopting electric vehicles (EVs) in delivery services can significantly reduce direct and indirect emissions, which can be of interest for many supply chain actors willing to report their sustainability practices within Scope 3 as per IPCC guidelines for the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. This study undertakes the eco-efficiency analysis of a local LMD company in Latvia to understand the financial viability and the external environmental cost related to fleet electrification. As a result, the eco-efficiency analysis confirms the financial and environmental advantages of EVs. The study acknowledges limitations in the current eco-efficiency framework related to the GHG emissions monetisation and recommends leveraging the voluntary carbon credit markets for a more market-based assessment of carbon pricing. The findings support the transition towards sustainable LMD options, aligning with broader sustainability goals.

The growing concern for environmental sustainability has sparked a shift towards electric vehicles as a more environmentally friendly alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). This review paper comprehensively incorporates a wide range of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies to conduct a detailed comparison of the environmental impact of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV) in different regions and under various scenarios. The analysis encompasses recent research from various years and diverse locations, such as the USA, Spain, Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, China, and Japan. The LCA evaluations yield significant insights into the global warming potential (GWP) represented by CO2 equivalent emissions per vehicle kilometre over their lifespan. The findings also emphasize that BEVs charged with renewable energy offer greater environmental benefits than biofuel-driven cars. Furthermore, the study incorporates various future scenarios, such as the widespread adoption of renewable energies, which could lead to substantial reductions in CO2eq emissions. However, the comparative analysis reveals varying impacts for BEVs in different regions, particularly highlighting the importance of the electricity mix used to charge BEV batteries. Overall, the review paper serves as a valuable contribution to the broader aim of understanding transport drivetrain implications on environment. Integrating diverse LCA assessments can inform sustainable transportation policies and practices.

The significance of hydrogen in the context of the ongoing energy transition is growing noticeably. This study presents a review of the literature on the factors that influence the development of a hydrogen economy. Based on an analysis of relevant studies, we suggest the factors that drive the growth of a hydrogen economy. Unlike traditional sector-based analyses, our approach is a comprehensive examination of the hydrogen value chain, incorporating stakeholder perspectives that are frequently overlooked in technical and economic research. Drawing on recent International Energy Agency assessments and extensive desk research, we identify barriers and propose solutions critical to the successful implementation of a hydrogen economy. The study then introduces a conceptual causal loop diagram and an illustrative framework that visually depict the intricate interconnections between stakeholders and influencing factors. The findings emphasize the importance of increased political support, particularly for addressing concerns about technological immaturity and economic viability, and strategic collaborations between private companies, academia, and government institutions. The proposed solutions, which include research and development support and the formulation of national hydrogen strategies, highlight the critical role of a well-defined policy framework in advancing the green hydrogen economy. This study significantly enriches both academic understanding and practical decision-making by providing valuable insights for long-term hydrogen development.