Emission Savings Detail Calculator

How It Works

Even accounting for electricity generation emissions, EVs produce significantly less CO2 than gas cars in most US regions. The average US power grid emits about 0.86 lbs of CO2 per kWh, but this varies widely: states with lots of hydro, nuclear, wind, or solar (like Washington, Vermont, or California) have much cleaner grids. A typical gas car burning 428 gallons per year (12,000 miles at 28 MPG) produces about 8,400 lbs of CO2. An average EV driving the same distance produces about 3,100 lbs from its electricity use — a 63% reduction. As the grid gets cleaner over time, EV emissions drop automatically without any changes to the car. Each mature tree absorbs about 48 lbs of CO2 per year, so switching to an EV is like planting over 100 trees.