- A new 2025 study from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) proves once again that fully-electric passenger cars are significantly greener than the equivalent petrol car, when it comes to life-cycle emissions.
- The study focuses on comparing cars sold in the European Union, with the expected average electricity mix in the union from 2025 to 2044.
- The life-cycle emissions of an EV bought new this year are expected to be 73% lower than a new petrol car, with that figure rising to 78% if all charging is carried out on renewable electricity.
EVs remain greener over their life than their petrol counterparts
The study took a comprehensive account into the emissions generated by a vehicle over its lifetime, from raw extraction of materials, emissions generated during production, to the replacement of parts such as tires and engine components during the vehicle’s life. The study calculated EVs being charged on the average EU 2025–2044 electricity mix, and found that over the life of the vehicle, the average CO2e per kilometre stood at 63 grams. That compares to 235 grams of CO2e per kilometre for a petrol car running on the average petrol and ethanol mix, equating to a 73% reduction in lifetime emissions. If EVs are charged using only renewable energy, the CO2e drops to 52 grams per kilometre – representing a 78% drop compared to petrol cars.
It still remains the case that EVs generate higher emissions during the production stage than pure ICE vehicles – around 40% higher, specifically. However, this is rapidly offset once the vehicle is on the road. The ICCT’s data shows that these excess emissions are paid off after driving around 17,000 kilometres in the first year or two of ownership. Consider that battery longevity is higher than ever, and it’s clear to see how EVs can quickly repay that debt.
However, the study did not take into account the reuse of end-of-life EV batteries into second applications, such as battery storage systems. Such systems are already a reality, such as the Nissan Leaf battery-based storage system now in place at Rome airport, and are set to become commonplace as the energy storage market continues growing. The study did note that, typically, end-of-life battery recycling techniques correspond to even greater reductions in lifetime greenhouse gas emissions. Add in developments such as more sustainable tires and leather alternatives, and it’s clear that future EVs have the chance to push their life-cycle emissions even lower.
You can read the full study from the ICCT, underlining all assumptions and calculations used, here.
