Switching from a gas vehicle to an EV reduces carbon emissions, but the actual savings depend on your driving distance, vehicle efficiency, and how clean your local electricity grid is. This calculator compares annual CO₂ emissions from a gas vehicle against an EV charged from your grid, giving a realistic estimate of your emissions reduction.
Enter your annual driving distance, your gas vehicle’s fuel efficiency, your EV’s efficiency, and your local electricity grid’s emissions factor. The calculator shows your estimated annual CO₂ savings in both kilograms and metric tons.
FAQ
How much CO₂ does switching to an EV actually save?
Savings depend heavily on your local electricity grid’s cleanliness. On an average grid, a typical driver switching to an EV saves roughly 2–3 metric tons of CO₂ per year — more on cleaner grids, less on coal-heavy ones.
Are EVs really cleaner if electricity comes from coal?
Yes, generally — even on coal-heavy grids, EVs tend to produce less lifecycle CO₂ than gas vehicles, since power plants operate more efficiently than internal combustion engines. However, the savings margin shrinks significantly compared to renewable-heavy grids.
What is a grid emissions factor, and where do I find mine?
It’s the amount of CO₂ released per kWh of electricity generated in your region. National energy agencies and utility providers often publish this figure — it varies widely based on your region’s energy mix (coal, gas, nuclear, renewables).
Does this calculator include emissions from manufacturing the vehicle?
No — this tool estimates operational (driving-related) emissions only, not manufacturing or battery production emissions, which are a separate part of a vehicle’s full lifecycle footprint.
