Are electric vehicles truly better for the environment than gas cars?

Yes, EVs produce fewer lifetime emissions even when accounting for battery production and electricity generation, with studies showing 60-68% lower lifetime carbon footprint in the US.

How does my electricity source affect my EV's environmental impact?

Your electricity source significantly affects your EV's footprint—an EV charged with coal power produces about half the emissions of a gas car, while one charged with renewable energy can reduce emissions by over 90%.

Does manufacturing an EV create more emissions than making a gas car?

Yes, EV production (especially the battery) generates 30-40% more emissions than gas vehicle production, but these are offset within 6-18 months of driving due to zero tailpipe emissions.

How many trees would I need to plant to offset the same carbon as switching to an EV?

Switching from an average gas car to an EV saves about 3-4 tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to planting approximately 50-60 trees each year.

Are there other environmental benefits beyond carbon reduction?

Yes, EVs eliminate nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other harmful tailpipe pollutants that contribute to urban smog, respiratory issues, and acid rain.

How does the calculator account for regional electricity differences?

Our calculator uses EPA power grid regional data to accurately estimate emissions based on your location's electricity generation mix, providing a personalized environmental impact assessment.

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Environmental Impact

EV Carbon Savings Calculator

Calculate how much carbon emissions you can reduce by driving an electric vehicle.

Last updated: June 2023

Calculate how much carbon emissions you can reduce by driving an electric vehicle. EVs produce fewer emissions than gas vehicles, but the exact environmental benefit depends on your electricity source and usage patterns.

Calculator

Fill in the form below to get your results

Annual Miles Driven (miles)

Gas Car MPG (mpg)

Gas Carbon Intensity (kg CO2/gallon)

EV Efficiency (kWh/mile)

Electricity Grid Carbon Intensity

Custom Grid Carbon Intensity (kg CO2/kWh)

Years of Ownership (years)

1 years years15 years

How This EV Carbon Savings Calculator Works

This calculator calculates the carbon emissions savings from driving an electric vehicle compared to a gas car.

The Calculation

carbonSavings = gasCarbonEmissions - evCarbonEmissions

Key Variables

gasCarbonEmissions, evCarbonEmissions

Assumptions

These variables are used to calculate the carbon emissions savings from driving an electric vehicle.

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