Skip advert
Advertisement

EVs responsible for three times less CO2 than petrol and diesel cars

New data shows that electric cars in Europe generate three times less CO2 on average than their internal combustion counterparts

Nissan Leaf - Long termer plugging in

Electric cars generate three times less CO2 on average than the equivalent petrol and diesel models, new data suggests.

The European Federation for Transport and Environment - commonly referred to as Transport and Environment or T&E - has created a tool that compiles CO2 emissions data and links it to the use of petrol, diesel and electric cars.

The tool takes into account the amount of CO2 produced both when cars with internal combustion engines burn fuel, as well as emissions generated during vehicle production, the carbon impact of extracting resources to make batteries, and the building of power plants.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In the worst-case scenario, an electric car with a battery produced in China and driven in Poland - where coal-fired power stations are still prevalent - generates 22 per cent less CO2 than an equivalent diesel car, and 28 per cent less than its petrol counterpart.

Meanwhile, in the best case scenario, an electric car with a battery produced in Sweden and driven in Sweden - where renewable energies are more prevalent - can be responsible for 80 per cent less CO2 than a diesel car, and 81 per cent less than a petrol one.

The tool shows that a medium-sized electric car with a battery produced in an average EU country and driven in the UK will generate 61 per cent less CO2 than the equivalent diesel, and 64 per cent less than an average petrol.

Meanwhile, if the electric car’s battery were produced in China and it was still driven in the UK, it would be responsible for 57 per cent less CO2 than the equivalent diesel, and 60 per cent less than an average petrol.

Would this tempt you buy an electric car over an ICE car? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
Opinion - Kia EV9 GT

Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019

From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world
Opinion
29 Jun 2025
New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025