In 2024, an average medium-sized internal combustion engine car run on petrol would have lifecycle emissions of 54 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) over a 15-year period. Despite having higher manufacturing emissions associated with the additional resources required to produce batteries, a BEV would have far lower cumulative emissions over its lifespan than a conventional ICE, at roughly 25 tCO₂e. Around 70 percent of a BEVs lifecycle emissions would come from well-to-tank emissions generated during the production and transportation of the fuel/energy. On the other hand, around 70 percent of an ICE vehicle's lifecycle emissions would stem from direct emissions generated during the operation of the vehicle.
Lifecycle emissions of combustion and electric vehicles worldwide under a Stated Policies Scenario from 2024 to 2038, by stage
(in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent)
Life cycle emissions for a medium-sized vehicle over 15 years, with average mileage of 42 km/day.
Supplementary notes
Figures in this statistic consider the direct and indirect impacts of vehicle manufacturing, fuel production and distribution, and the use of the vehicle. The lifecycle emissions are split into the following categories: Vehicle cycle - Vehicle manufacturing - Battery manufacturing Fuel cycle - Fuel production (well-to-tank) - Fuel consumption (tank-to-wheel).
Figures are under a Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS). The STEPS explores how energy systems evolve under today’s policies and private sector momentum. The scenario is not developed with a particular outcome in mind, but rather explores where current efforts are likely to lead global energy systems. The STEPS does not take for granted that all government targets will be achieved. Instead, it takes a granular, sector-by-sector look at the concrete policies and measures in effect as of August 2024, and assesses their impact on energy demand and supply. The STEPS also takes into account private sector action, including fuel production and manufacturing capacity of clean energy technologies, and assesses how these market dynamics impact future trends
Vehicle characteristics: Petrol ICE: Average fuel consumption - 7.0 L/100km. PHEV: 30% of km traveled on battery power. Average fuel consumption - 5.1 L/100km. BEV: Range - 300 km. Average power consumption - 19.1 kWh/100km. Energy supply: Biofuel blending (ethanol/gasoline share - 4.6%.
Examples of medium cars include: VW Lavida, VW Golf, or Toyota Corolla.
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IEA. (June 5, 2024). Lifecycle emissions of combustion and electric vehicles worldwide under a Stated Policies Scenario from 2024 to 2038, by stage (in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved February 08, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400381/lifecycle-emissions-of-combustion-and-electric-vehicles-worldwide-by-stage/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
IEA. "Lifecycle emissions of combustion and electric vehicles worldwide under a Stated Policies Scenario from 2024 to 2038, by stage (in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent)." Chart. June 5, 2024. Statista. Accessed February 08, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400381/lifecycle-emissions-of-combustion-and-electric-vehicles-worldwide-by-stage/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
IEA. (2024). Lifecycle emissions of combustion and electric vehicles worldwide under a Stated Policies Scenario from 2024 to 2038, by stage (in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: February 08, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400381/lifecycle-emissions-of-combustion-and-electric-vehicles-worldwide-by-stage/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
IEA. "Lifecycle Emissions of Combustion and Electric Vehicles Worldwide under a Stated Policies Scenario from 2024 to 2038, by Stage (in Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent)." Statista, Statista Inc., 5 Jun 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400381/lifecycle-emissions-of-combustion-and-electric-vehicles-worldwide-by-stage/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed
IEA, Lifecycle emissions of combustion and electric vehicles worldwide under a Stated Policies Scenario from 2024 to 2038, by stage (in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400381/lifecycle-emissions-of-combustion-and-electric-vehicles-worldwide-by-stage/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed (last visited February 08, 2025)
Lifecycle emissions of combustion and electric vehicles worldwide under a Stated Policies Scenario from 2024 to 2038, by stage (in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) [Graph], IEA, June 5, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400381/lifecycle-emissions-of-combustion-and-electric-vehicles-worldwide-by-stage/?__sso_cookie_checker=failed