Calculate Your CO₂ Savings by Going Electric
Compare the carbon footprint of an electric vehicle versus a petrol car. See your annual and lifetime emissions saved based on your driving habits and local energy grid.
Your Inputs
Emission factor in kg CO₂ per kWh (IEA 2023 data)
Your Results
Grid Matters
Countries with renewable-heavy grids (Norway, France) see the biggest CO₂ savings. The EV still wins in coal-heavy grids after ~2–3 years of driving.
Battery Production
EV battery manufacturing adds ~6–10 tonnes of CO₂ upfront. This "carbon debt" is typically paid off within 1–2 years of driving.
Lifetime Winner
Across their full lifecycle, EVs produce 50–70% less CO₂ than petrol cars, and the advantage grows as electricity grids decarbonise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much CO₂ does an electric car save compared to a petrol car?
An electric car typically saves 1.5 to 2.5 tonnes of CO₂ per year compared to an average petrol car, depending on annual mileage and the carbon intensity of your local electricity grid. Over a 10-year lifespan, an EV can save 15–25 tonnes of CO₂. The exact savings depend on factors like grid cleanliness, driving style, and vehicle efficiency.
Is an electric car really better for the environment than a petrol car?
Yes, even when accounting for battery manufacturing and electricity generation. Peer-reviewed studies show that over their full lifecycle, EVs produce 50–70% less CO₂ than comparable petrol cars in most countries. The environmental gap widens each year as electricity grids shift away from coal and towards renewables like solar and wind.
What is the carbon footprint of charging an EV at home?
Home charging emits roughly 40–120 grams of CO₂ per kWh depending on your country's energy mix. For comparison, a petrol car emits around 2.3 kg of CO₂ per litre of fuel. Since EVs use 0.12–0.25 kWh per kilometre, they emit a fraction of the CO₂ per kilometre driven compared to petrol engines — especially when paired with solar panels or a green energy tariff.