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

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring
Baby Nissan Juke exclusive image - rear

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring

Nissan to fast-track development of new battery-powered city car to take on forthcoming Volkswagen ID.1, and our exclusive images preview how it could…
News
18 Apr 2025
Best SUVs to buy 2025
Best SUVs - header image

Best SUVs to buy 2025

There are plenty of great SUVs to choose from, so we’ve picked out the very best
Best cars & vans
17 Apr 2025
Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans
Future of Nissan in the UK - header with Phil McNamara

Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans

Nissan is about to go from building the Qashqai hybrid to three fresh EVs in the UK over the next three years – all powered by a new gigafactory
Features
19 Apr 2025