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A compact electric SUV boasting a range of 300 miles emits 52% fewer life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to a similar gasoline-powered vehicle, as reported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The DOE highlights that greenhouse gas emissions from the production and distribution of electric vehicles are currently about twice as high as those for gasoline. However, this is significantly outweighed by the tailpipe emissions from gasoline vehicles, which account for nearly three-quarters of their total life-cycle emissions.
Comparison of 2024 lifetime greenhouse gas emissions of small SUVs (via U.S. Department of Energy)
While the production and combustion of fossil fuels is unlikely to become cleaner, overall emissions from electric vehicles can potentially decrease by utilizing renewable energy sources for the power grid. This shift is already taking place. A study by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) in 2020 found that 94% of Americans reside in areas where, based on the local grid, electric vehicles are cleaner than gasoline cars that achieve 50 miles per gallon.
However, other assessments indicate that SUVs are not the most environmentally friendly option, regardless of whether they run on electricity or gasoline. Earlier this year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that SUVs emit 20% more CO2 than standard cars, regardless of their engine type. If these emissions were compared to the emissions of entire countries, SUVs would rank as the world’s fifth largest CO2 emitter, according to the IEA.
2025 Hyundai Kona Electric
The IEA also cautioned in 2023 that the rising popularity of SUVs is driving up global oil consumption, undermining some of the potential emissions reductions anticipated from increased electric vehicle adoption. SUVs tend to be heavier than standard cars, which negatively affects the efficiency of both combustion and electric powertrains. This inefficiency has been intensified by a surge in global SUV sales, which hit a record 48% in 2023, as stated by the IEA.
In this context, the DOE’s emphasis on the difference between average SUV emissions and those of smaller models is crucial. The DOE has previously indicated that smaller SUVs are more environmentally friendly in terms of CO2 emissions, and that electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are even more advantageous.
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