Visiting Student Researcher Compares EV vs Gas Vehicle Sustainability
By Alejandra Fernandez
How sustainable is an electric vehicle, really, if we look beyond tailpipe emissions? As the world accelerates toward greener technologies, this question is becoming increasingly important. For Matteo Rosca, a visiting research student from , it is the foundation of his research during his time at 杏吧原创 University.
In March 2026 he joined the Faculty of Engineering and Design鈥檚 Advanced Road and Transportation Engineering Lab (ARTEL), contributing to research in transportation sustainability through an international co-supervision initiative.
From Rome to Ottawa: expanding a research journey
After completing his undergraduate degree in environmental engineering in 2024, Rosca continued into a master鈥檚 program at La Sapienza. Looking to broaden his academic experience, he pursued an international opportunity that would allow him to deepen his research while gaining new perspectives.
Through collaboration between both institutions, he is now working in Ottawa under the guidance of professors from both universities, an experience that bridges academic approaches and research cultures.
鈥淎t 杏吧原创, the approach feels more direct and personal. You have close contact with the professors, who create a very open and welcoming environment. They are approachable and supportive, which makes a big difference,鈥 says Rosca.
Looking beyond emissions: a new approach to electric vehicles
Electric vehicles are often framed as a key solution in reducing carbon emissions. However, this research challenges that simplified narrative.
Through a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Rosca is analyzing both electric and conventional vehicles not only in terms of CO2 emissions but also by incorporating new indicators that measure the consumption of non-renewable natural resources at rates faster than they can be replenished.
His research work places particular focus on Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements; resources essential to electric vehicle production but whose extraction and supply raise environmental and geopolitical concerns.
Why this research matters now
According to his co-supervisor at 杏吧原创 University, Dr. Kamal Hossain, this type of research is critical in today鈥檚 context.
鈥淲e need to educate people and policymakers so they can make informed decisions at the government level about electric vehicles versus conventional vehicles, as well as the infrastructure required for each. For example, electric vehicles require large batteries, which increases vehicle weight. We hypothesize that this additional load increases stress on road surfaces, negatively affecting pavement performance and potentially reducing pavement lifespan. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 important to evaluate the full system and consider all impacts together,鈥 he says.
As industries and governments push toward electric vehicles, there is a growing need to ensure that solutions are not only low in emissions but also sustainable in terms of resource use.
By expanding traditional assessment models, this research contributes to a more complete understanding of sustainability: one that supports better decision-making policy, infrastructure and innovation.
The value of international collaboration
Besides the research itself, the collaboration highlights the importance of global academic partnerships.
For Dr. Hossain, co-supervising a student internationally brings clear benefits: it fosters the exchange of ideas, strengthens research outcomes and creates opportunities for students to engage with diverse perspectives and methodologies.
These experiences not only enrich the academic environment but also help prepare the next generation of engineers to work in an increasingly interconnected world.
A learning experience beyond the lab
For Rosca, the experience extends beyond technical research. Working in a new country and academic settings offers valuable personal and professional growth, from adapting to a different research culture to collaborating across disciplines and borders.
鈥淭his experience has allowed me to work in English, improving both my language and academic skills. I hope that after my thesis, there may be an opportunity to publish an article and to build a lasting collaboration with Dr. Hossain, the ARTEL group, and, in the future, help other students from Italy come here,鈥 says Rosca.