© BMWK, source: ifeu – Institut für Energie- und Umweltforschung Heidelberg gGmH

Petrol, diesel, electric car: which is more climate-friendly?

On average, the carbon emissions of electric cars today are less than half those of comparable petrol or diesel vehicles. This is shown by a comprehensive life-cycle analysis of the three car types considering the entire lifespan of the vehicle – from the first screw to the scrap yard.

In 1886, Carl Benz developed the first automobile, the Benz Patent Motorwagen (Patent No. 37435), in Mannheim, with a top speed of 16 km/h. Germans’ love for cars has continued ever since. However, every vehicle has a limited lifespan – modern cars typically reach an average of 220,000 kilometres before a replacement is needed.

But how environmentally friendly are today’s electric cars, petrol cars and diesel cars in comparison? To answer this question, we need to look at their entire vehicle lifespan – from production (including the drive battery for electric vehicles) to disposal.

Life-cycle analyses consider all factors

Life-cycle analyses evaluate all factors of a vehicle, including the energy required. For electric vehicles, this means electricity from the grid and for combustion engine vehicles, fuel – from extraction to the exhaust. The comparison is made using realistic consumption values and similar vehicle characteristics.

Our graphic reveals that electric vehicles (EVs) emit, on average, less than half as much carbon dioxide compared to petrol or diesel cars. Although their production generates slightly more emissions, EVs are significantly more efficient and environmentally friendly during use – even when considering the German electricity mix.

Electric cars: clear benefits for the climate

In the case of petrol and diesel vehicles, around 20 per cent of carbon emissions come from production, maintenance, and disposal, while the operation accounts for approximately 80 per cent. For electric cars, it's the other way round: production emissions are higher, but the operational emissions are so low – even with Germany’s electricity mix – that the larger “carbon baggage” is quickly offset.

As the energy transition progresses, the climate benefits of electric cars will only grow. Cleaner electricity reduces emissions during operation, while more sustainable batteries and recycling regulations will make production even more eco-friendly.
For more detailed information on the comparison, please click here.