DOE Report: Small Electric SUVs Slash Greenhouse Emissions by Half Compared to Gasoline Counterparts

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a compact electric SUV capable of traveling 300 miles on a single charge is responsible for cutting its total greenhouse gas emissions by over half compared to a similar-sized gasoline-powered SUV.

The Department of Energy points out that the emissions generated from manufacturing and distributing greenhouse gases are roughly twice as high as those from gasoline. However, this is counterbalanced by the emissions expelled from the exhaust of gasoline-powered vehicles, accounting for almost 75% of their overall emissions throughout their lifespan.

An analysis by the U.S. Department of Energy scrutinizes the projected total greenhouse gas emissions for compact SUVs throughout their lifespan, set to be evaluated for the year

The process of creating and using fossil fuels can't be made more environmentally friendly. However, there's potential for electric vehicles (EVs) to become less polluting if the electricity grid is powered by green energy sources. This shift is underway. Research by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) in 2020 showed that the majority of people in the US, about 94%, reside in areas where, considering their local electricity supply, electric vehicles have a lower emission footprint than gasoline cars that get 50 miles per gallon.

However, other studies indicate that sport utility vehicles (SUVs) may not be the most eco-friendly option, regardless of their energy source. The International Energy Agency (IEA) earlier highlighted that SUVs produce 20% more carbon dioxide emissions than regular cars, irrespective of the method of propulsion. The IEA also noted that if SUV emissions were ranked alongside nations, they would stand as the fifth largest source of CO2 emissions globally.

The 2025 model of the Hyundai K

In 2023, the International Energy Agency issued a warning that the growing popularity of SUVs is driving up the worldwide demand for oil, negating the potential environmental benefits expected from the rise in electric vehicle usage. Due to their greater weight compared to regular cars, SUVs are less efficient, regardless of whether they run on fuel or electricity. This problem is exacerbated by the surge in SUV purchases, which hit an all-time high, making up 48% of the global market, as reported by the IEA.

In this instance, the differentiation made by the Department of Energy (DOE) between the total emissions from SUVs and the emissions from the more compact versions is crucial. The DOE has pointed out before that compact SUVs have a reduced impact on the environment when it comes to carbon dioxide emissions, and that electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles are even more environmentally

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