Projected GWP deviation of compact class passenger cars in Germany 2020-2050, by type
An average compact battery electric vehicle (BEV) registered in 2020 in Germany was roughly 40 percent more climate-friendly per vehicle kilometer when compared to a petrol-powered vehicle of the same year of manufacture. By comparison, the global warming potential of a 2020 diesel-powered car was one percent higher than a petrol-powered car, whereas a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) was roughly 20 percent more climate-friendly.
In a scenario where there is a rapid expansion of renewable electricity generation, the climate-benefits of BEVs could increase to almost 50 percent for cars registered in 2030, compared to petrol-powered cars of the same year.