Electrifying the Road: New Study Reveals Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Electric Vehicles

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Michigan have conducted a comprehensive study on the emissions of different vehicles, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The study, which was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, found that BEVs have lower lifetime greenhouse gas emissions than any other vehicle type in every county in the contiguous U.S. The analysis, which considered factors such as powertrains, vehicle class, driving behavior, and location, showed that switching to a hybrid or electric vehicle can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that BEVs have lower lifetime greenhouse gas emissions than any other vehicle type in every county in the contiguous U.S.
  • The average emissions per mile for ICEVs were 486 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent, while BEVs had an average of 81 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per mile.
  • Switching to a hybrid or electric vehicle can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% compared to using an ICEV.
  • Location affects emissions in two ways: lower temperatures reduce range and increase fuel efficiency for EVs, and power grid emissions vary by location.
  • The researchers created a free online calculator that allows drivers to estimate greenhouse gas emissions based on their vehicle, driving behavior, and location.

Statistics:

  • Average emissions per mile for ICEVs: 486 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent
  • Average emissions per mile for BEVs: 81 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent
  • Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when switching to a hybrid pickup truck: 23%
  • Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when switching to a fully electric pickup truck: 75%
  • Greenhouse gas emissions per mile for a BEV compact sedan: 81 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent

Sources:

  • Study: E. Smith et al. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2025 (DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5c05406)
  • University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability