EVs vs ICE: CO2 turns cleaner after the second year
New research: electric vehicles emit more CO2 at first, then win after two years
EVs vs ICE: CO2 turns cleaner after the second year
Duke research shows EVs emit ~30% more CO2 in the first two years, then beat ICE on lifecycle emissions as grids decarbonize. Backed by EU studies. Learn more.
2025-10-31T11:07:17+03:00
2025-10-31T11:07:17+03:00
2025-10-31T11:07:17+03:00
New research from Duke University (United States), reviewed by SPEEDME.RU’s experts, shows that in the first two years of ownership, electric vehicles do emit more CO2 than internal-combustion cars—by about 30% on average. After the second year, the balance shifts: the environmental tally moves in favor of EVs, and they become noticeably cleaner than their gasoline counterparts. Lifecycle math can be counterintuitive, but that turning point is the one that truly counts.The team accounted not only for use-phase emissions, but also for lithium extraction, battery production, and vehicle assembly. After two years, thanks to cleaner electricity and a declining carbon footprint, the cumulative emissions of an electric car fall below those of an ICE vehicle.By 2030, each battery is calculated to reduce emissions by 220 kg of CO2, and by 2050 by 127 kg. The economic analysis also found that the climate and health damages from ICE exhaust are two to three times higher than those associated with EVs.The findings are corroborated by the Fraunhofer-Institut and the Umweltbundesamt, which note that Europe looks even better thanks to the growing use of home solar systems. The researchers conclude that as the energy sector decarbonizes, electric cars will become the main tool for cutting transport emissions. For buyers weighing costs and conscience, the message is straightforward: the gains build with time.
electric vehicles, EVs, CO2 emissions, lifecycle analysis, Duke University study, ICE cars, decarbonization, Fraunhofer, Umweltbundesamt, battery production, lithium extraction, health damages
2025
Michael Powers
news
New research: electric vehicles emit more CO2 at first, then win after two years
Duke research shows EVs emit ~30% more CO2 in the first two years, then beat ICE on lifecycle emissions as grids decarbonize. Backed by EU studies. Learn more.
Michael Powers, Editor
New research from Duke University (United States), reviewed by SPEEDME.RU’s experts, shows that in the first two years of ownership, electric vehicles do emit more CO2 than internal-combustion cars—by about 30% on average. After the second year, the balance shifts: the environmental tally moves in favor of EVs, and they become noticeably cleaner than their gasoline counterparts. Lifecycle math can be counterintuitive, but that turning point is the one that truly counts.
The team accounted not only for use-phase emissions, but also for lithium extraction, battery production, and vehicle assembly. After two years, thanks to cleaner electricity and a declining carbon footprint, the cumulative emissions of an electric car fall below those of an ICE vehicle.
By 2030, each battery is calculated to reduce emissions by 220 kg of CO2, and by 2050 by 127 kg. The economic analysis also found that the climate and health damages from ICE exhaust are two to three times higher than those associated with EVs.
The findings are corroborated by the Fraunhofer-Institut and the Umweltbundesamt, which note that Europe looks even better thanks to the growing use of home solar systems. The researchers conclude that as the energy sector decarbonizes, electric cars will become the main tool for cutting transport emissions. For buyers weighing costs and conscience, the message is straightforward: the gains build with time.
