Calculate your vehicle's CO2 emissions and carbon footprint. Compare gas, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicle impacts.
Calculate your vehicle's CO2 emissions and environmental impact.
The Vehicle Emissions Calculator helps you understand and quantify the carbon footprint of your driving habits. Transportation accounts for 29% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making personal vehicle choices a significant environmental factor.
According to the EPA, the average passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year. Understanding your vehicle's emissions helps you make informed decisions about driving habits, vehicle upgrades, or offsets. Electric vehicles, while not emission-free, typically produce 50-70% less lifecycle emissions than conventional vehicles.
For hybrids, calculate both fuel and electric portions based on driving mode split.
| Vehicle Type | g CO2/mile | Annual CO2 (12k mi) |
|---|---|---|
| Large SUV (18 MPG) | 494g | 5.9 tonnes |
| Sedan (30 MPG) | 296g | 3.6 tonnes |
| Hybrid (50 MPG) | 178g | 2.1 tonnes |
| Electric (US avg grid) | ~100g | 1.2 tonnes |
Related tools: Fuel Cost Calculator, Electricity Consumption Calculator
CO2 = (Miles driven / MPG) x CO2 per gallon. Gas produces 8.89 kg CO2/gallon, diesel 10.18 kg. Average car emits 4.6 tonnes CO2/year.
A 25 MPG gas car produces 356g CO2/mile. 35 MPG = 254g. 50 MPG hybrid = 178g. Electric vehicles produce 0 direct emissions but ~100g/mile from grid power.
Scope 1 = direct tailpipe emissions. Scope 2 = indirect from electricity (EVs). Scope 3 = manufacturing and fuel production. Total lifecycle is 20-30% higher than tailpipe.