SUV Sales Surge Poses Environmental Challenge: Emissions Outpace Reduction Efforts

Compared to regular cars, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) release approximately 20% additional carbon dioxide, regardless of whether they are electric vehicles. The International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that even as the sale of SUVs rises worldwide, their contribution to emissions increases as well.

In 2023, nearly half of all cars sold worldwide were SUVs, hitting a peak of 48%. However, in more developed markets, over half the cars sold were SUVs, totaling approximately 20 million units, as per the International Energy Agency's findings. Although electric SUVs make up a mere 5% of all SUVs currently in use, they represented over half of the newly registered electric vehicles last year, as observed by the agency.

The expansion has been sustained over an extended period, culminating in SUVs representing 25% of the world's vehicular traffic, as per the International Energy Agency's calculations. This trend is exacerbating the issue of emissions, with SUVs emitting on average 20% more carbon dioxide (CO2) compared to a standard mid-size car, the agency notes.

In 2023, the International Energy Agency reported on CO2 emissions stemming from SUVs and the top ten countries with the highest emissions rates.

According to the International Energy Agency, if we were to rank the carbon dioxide emissions from SUVs alongside those of countries, they would come in as the fifth biggest contributor globally, surpassing the output of nations such as Japan, Germany, and South Korea.

The increased mass of SUVs contributes to this issue, as they are typically 440-660 pounds heavier than an average mid-size car, as stated by the IEA. This excess weight impacts SUVs whether they run on traditional fuel or are electrically powered. Consequently, SUVs require more resources, such as those for batteries, leading to a greater environmental impact as well as a more substantial actual size.

The International Energy Agency reported that in the span of 2022 to 2023, the amount of oil used by SUVs increased by 600,000 barrels each day. This spike represents over 25% of the yearly surge in the demand for oil.

Cadillac Escalade IQ for the year

In 2023, the International Energy Agency raised concerns that the growing popularity of SUVs is driving up the worldwide need for oil, which is negating the potential benefits of increased electric vehicle usage in terms of emission cuts. Additionally, in 2022, the agency had forecasted that the global demand for fossil fuels is expected to reach its highest point within this ten-year span. Despite the surge in SUV sales, the International Energy Agency's data suggests that electric vehicles are on track to make up 11% of automobile sales in the United States this year, and around 20% in other markets.

It's important to note that SUVs vary in their emission levels. The Department of Energy highlights that, for those insistent on owning an SUV, opting for a smaller model can be more eco-friendly by reducing the overall carbon dioxide emissions.

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