Electric, hybrid and petrol car emissions: which is worse?

Known as the “Lifecycle Emissions Calculator,” the tool shows car emissions associated with all-electric, hybrid and petrol vehicles. 

Looking at the entire lifecycle vehicle emissions is important, whether it is electric versus hybrid cars, or electric versus petrol, or even hybrid versus petrol. 

Many are concerned that a transition to electric vehicles will not actually help curb climate change because the emissions associated with the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries are higher than for the production of internal combustion engines (ICE). 

However, the tool shows that emissions from electric cars are better placed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions because over the lifetime of the vehicle are in fact less than for hybrid and petrol cars. 

To ensure a fair comparison between all types of vehicles, the tool considers the following: 

• Vehicle and battery production: Aside from the manufacturing of the vehicle itself, a significant factor for EVs is considering the energy-intensive extraction of materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. 
• Fuel and Electricity: The source of electricity for charging EVs is crucial. For instance, EVs charged with solar power have a lower emissions footprint than those using electricity from fossil fuel-powered grids. Also, the emissions associated with fuel is not limited to burning it; there is also the refining and distribution of oil to make petrol and diesel. 
• End of Life: The tool applies a conservative recycling credit across all powertrains, acknowledging emissions saved by avoiding new material extraction. 

A conservative approach 

The EVC says that it has taken a conservative approach to present worst-case scenarios for EVs. For instance, it assumes that EVs sold in Australia are predominantly from China, using grid average electricity with higher emissions.  

It also assumes an average generation mix over the vehicle's life, without factoring in optimised renewable energy use by EV owners. Drivers can select if they buy 100% green energy or have rooftop solar panels that they could use to reduce emissions by charging during the day (or at night if they have a battery.) 

Lifecycle emissions of Australian cars 

For example, comparing a medium-sized all-electric SUV against a medium-sized hybrid SUV and a petrol-powered medium SUV, the tool shows the emissions are greater for the all-electric at time of manufacture. 

However, the picture changes dramatically after the vehicles have been driven around 50,000km. After 200,000km, the CO2 emissions associated with the pure electric vehicle (121g/km) are more than half that of the petrol (279g/km,) and almost half that of the hybrid (211gm/km.) 

How to use the tool 

The Lifecycle Emissions Calculator tool allows users to select their state or territory and compare different cars across segments and powertrains.  

It provides data on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per kilometre and total cumulative emissions in tons of CO2 across the vehicle's lifecycle.  

The results clearly demonstrate that EVs, even under conservative assumptions, have significantly lower lifecycle emissions than both hybrids and petrol vehicles.

You can try the Lifecycle Emissions Calculator for yourself here.