EV Lifetime CO2 vs ICE

How EV Lifetime CO₂ vs ICE works

The tool computes two totals: manufacturing emissions plus use-phase emissions for both the EV and the ICE vehicle. For the EV, use-phase CO₂ is (lifetime miles ÷ EV efficiency) × grid carbon intensity; for the ICE, it is lifetime miles × ICE CO₂ per mile. Each use figure is added to its respective manufacturing footprint, then the ICE total is subtracted from the EV total to yield the net lifetime CO₂ saved—or, if negative, the additional emissions from choosing the EV.

The formula

EV use-phase (kg) = (lifetime_miles ÷ ev_miles_per_kwh) × grid_g_per_kwh ÷ 1000
ICE use-phase (kg) = lifetime_miles × ice_co2_per_mile ÷ 1000
EV total (kg) = ev_mfg_co2 + EV use-phase
ICE total (kg) = ice_mfg_co2 + ICE use-phase
Saved (t) = (ICE total − EV total) ÷ 1000

All manufacturing inputs are in kilograms, use-phase emissions are converted from grams, and the final output is in metric tonnes.

Where this method is most accurate

The calculation is a straight arithmetic sum; its accuracy depends entirely on the quality of the six inputs. Manufacturing CO₂ figures vary widely by production process, battery chemistry and factory energy source; grid carbon intensity changes yearly and can differ between regions; real-world EV efficiency fluctuates with temperature, driving style and terrain; ICE tailpipe rates assume constant fuel type and driving cycle. The model treats both manufacturing and use-phase emissions as fixed per-kilometre averages and does not account for battery degradation, fuel economy drift, or grid-mix evolution over the vehicle's life.

What this tool does not do

It does not pull jurisdiction-specific grid data, recommend which vehicle to purchase, or certify any car as "low-carbon." The calculator does not include end-of-life recycling credits, non-CO₂ greenhouse gases (methane, nitrous oxide), embodied emissions in road infrastructure, or the carbon cost of fuel extraction and refining (upstream emissions). It does not adjust for renewable-energy charging tariffs or home solar generation unless the user manually lowers the grid intensity input.

Disclaimer

This calculator is an educational mathematics tool. It produces estimates based solely on the numbers entered and makes no representation about any specific vehicle's environmental performance, suitability or compliance with emissions standards. Users remain responsible for verifying manufacturing data, grid intensity and efficiency figures from authoritative sources. No output constitutes environmental advice, vehicle recommendation or a guarantee of real-world emissions savings.