News

Comparing Vehicle Types: Which is the Most Environmentally Friendly?

April 02, 2023

Fatma Say

5 min

Comparing Vehicle Types: Which is the Most Environmentally Friendly?

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, many people are considering the impact of their transportation choices on the planet. When it comes to cars, there are four main types of vehicles to consider: electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid vehicles, passenger and gasoline vehicles. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), a typical passenger car produces 404 grams of CO2 every mile. In this blog post, we will compare the characteristics of these different types of vehicles, including their carbon emissions.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Electric vehicles produce zero emissions, making them the cleanest type of vehicle. EVs are powered by electricity stored in batteries, which are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electrical outlet. That’s why their batteries have certain damage to the environment, for more information, check our blog post. According to the US Department of Energy, the average carbon emissions of an electric vehicle in the US is 2,817 pounds of CO2. 

Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid vehicles are a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. They emit less carbon dioxide than gasoline-only vehicles, but they still produce emissions. According to the US Department of Energy, the average annual carbon emissions of a hybrid vehicle in the US is 6,898 pounds. Hybrid vehicles are designed to be more fuel-efficient than gasoline-only vehicles, which helps to reduce their carbon footprint.

Gasoline Vehicles

Gasoline vehicles emit the most carbon dioxide of any type of vehicle. According to the US Department of Energy, the average annual carbon emissions of a gasoline vehicle in the US is 12,594 pounds of CO2 per mile. Gasoline vehicles are the most common type of vehicle on the road, but they are also the least fuel-efficient. This means that they produce more carbon emissions than hybrid vehicles.

When it comes to choosing the cleanest type of vehicle, electric vehicles are the clear winner. However, hybrid and diesel vehicles can also be more environmentally friendly than traditional gasoline vehicles. By understanding the differences in carbon emissions between these types of vehicles, consumers can make informed decisions that help to reduce their carbon footprint.