LCA and LCC framework for special purpose vehicles based on a case study of mini-tractor for orchard operations

The transition from fossil fuels to alternative sources is a multi-level challenge that includes not only technically efficient solutions, but also environmental and economic justification. A promising technology for heavy-duty vehicles used in agriculture and transportation sectors is the implementation of ammonia as the primary fuel working in combustion ignition engines. However, to verify whether the environmental benefits are achieved due to such a fuel switch, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method should be applied. Investigation of the environmental effects can be further coupled with the cost analysis using the Life Cycle Costing (LCC) method. In this paper, we present the LCA and LCC framework of a special purpose vehicle using the case study of a mini-tractor designated for orchard operation. We summarize information regarding the approach for analyses of a similar type based on the current state of the art, discuss the approach to functional unit and operation phase considering special purpose vehicles, present the approach to LCA and LCC of a mini-tractor considered in our case, and investigate how LCA and LCC models should be modified when modernizing the tractor in terms of a transition from diesel to ammonia. It is shown that the operation phase of special purpose vehicles is the most challenging phase to model due to the specific activities performed by a considered vehicle, however, it is also the phase typically responsible for the highest environmental burden.