The lifetime greenhouseβgas (GHG) footprint of a vehicle is the sum of emissions from manufacturing, operation, and endβofβlife processing. Production emissions are largely fixed, while useβphase emissions scale with the distance driven.
Electric vehicles (EVs) shift the bulk of useβphase emissions from the tailpipe to the electricity grid. The carbon intensity of the grid (gβ―COβ/kWh) therefore determines how clean an EV truly is, and this can vary dramatically by region and over time.
Internalβcombustion engine (ICE) cars emit COβ directly from fuel combustion. Their useβphase emissions depend on fuel consumption (L/100β―km) and the carbon content of the fuel (gβ―COβ/L). Comparing EV and ICE over a realistic vehicle lifetime (kilometres driven) reveals which technology offers the lower overall impact.
E_{prod} = production emissions (gβ―COβ)
E_{use} = emissions per kilometre of use (gβ―COβ/km)
D = vehicle lifetime distance (km)
How does the carbon intensity of the grid affect EV emissions?
What factors contribute to the manufacturing emissions of a vehicle?
How do use-phase emissions differ between EVs and ICE vehicles?
Can I compare the lifetime GHG footprint of different vehicle models?
What is the impact of driving distance on EV vs. ICE emissions?
How does end-of-life processing contribute to a vehicle’s total GHG footprint?
Can this calculator help me choose between an EV and an ICE for my next car purchase?
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.
