Online tool allows anyone to compare EV vs ICE vehicle emissions

The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has released a new tool to help drivers compare the entire greenhouse gas emissions of cars, utes, vans and SUVs in Australia.

Known as the “Lifecycle Emissions Calculator,” the tool shows car emissions associated with all-electric, hybrid and petrol vehicles. 

To ensure a fair comparison between all types of vehicles, the tool considers the following: 

• Vehicle and battery production: Aside from the manufacturing of the vehicle itself, a significant factor for EVs is considering the energy-intensive extraction of materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
   
• Fuel and Electricity: The source of electricity for charging EVs is crucial. For instance, EVs charged with solar power have a lower emissions footprint than those using electricity from fossil fuel-powered grids. Also, the emissions associated with fuel is not limited to burning it; there is also the refining and distribution of oil to make petrol and diesel. 
  
  
• End of Life: The tool applies a conservative recycling credit across all powertrains, acknowledging emissions saved by avoiding new material extraction. 

The results clearly demonstrate that EVs, even under conservative assumptions, have significantly lower lifecycle emissions than both hybrids and petrol vehicles.

You can try the Lifecycle Emissions Calculator for yourself here.