EVs reduce climate pollution, but by how much? New U-M research has the answer

Drivers can now compare the greenhouse gas emissions of different vehicles based on size, usage, powertrain type and even location

August 25, 2025
Contact: Matt Davenport

Choosing a more electrified vehicle will reduce drivers’ greenhouse gas emissions, regardless of where they live in the contiguous United States, according to a new study from the University of Michigan.

The analysis is the most comprehensive to date, the authors said, providing drivers with estimates of emissions per mile driven across 35 different combinations of vehicle class and powertrains. That included conventional gas pickups, hybrid SUVs and fully electric sedans with dozens of other permutations.

In fact, the team created a free online calculator that lets drivers estimate greenhouse gas emissions based on what they drive, how they drive and where they live.

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In their "cradle-to-grave" analysis, Keoleian and colleagues studied emissions numbers not just from driving vehicles, but also from making and disposing of them. In doing so, they considered an array of factors: powertrains, vehicle class, driving behavior and location.

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