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A newly released study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has confirmed that fully-electric passenger vehicles produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than their petrol-powered counterparts over their entire lifecycle.
The study focuses on passenger cars sold in the European Union, using the projected average electricity mix in the EU from 2025 to 2044. It offers a comprehensive, data-driven comparison of the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles—from raw material extraction and manufacturing to use and end-of-life disposal.
73% Lower Emissions Over a Vehicle’s Lifetime
For a fully electric vehicle bought new in 2025 and charged using the EU’s average grid electricity, the study estimates life-cycle emissions of just 63 grams of CO₂-equivalent (CO₂e) per kilometre. In comparison, a new petrol vehicle emits approximately 235 grams of CO₂e per kilometre over its lifetime. That’s a 73% reduction in emissions for the EV.
The environmental benefits become even clearer when EVs are charged exclusively on renewable electricity. In that case, emissions drop to just 52 grams of CO₂e per kilometre, a remarkable 78% reduction compared to a petrol car using the average petrol-ethanol fuel blend.
EVs Offset Higher Production Emissions Quickly
While EVs do generate approximately 40% more emissions during production than ICE vehicles (mainly due to battery manufacturing) this upfront carbon debt is quickly repaid. The ICCT’s data shows that EVs break even on emissions after just 17,000 kilometres (10,563 miles) of driving, typically completed within the first year of ownership.
With EV battery longevity continuing to improve, and typical lifespans now stretching well beyond 150,000 km (93,205 miles), it’s clear that the environmental payback on EVs is fast and substantial.
Beyond Driving
It’s worth noting that the study didn’t factor in additional emissions savings from repurposing EV batteries at the end of their driving life. These batteries are increasingly being reused in stationary energy storage applications, like the battery storage system at Rome Airport made from retired Nissan Leaf batteries.
Incorporating second-life applications and improved recycling processes into the lifecycle calculation would likely push EV emissions even lower, reinforcing the environmental advantages.
EVs Will Keep Lowering Emissions
The ICCT also highlights opportunities to drive life-cycle emissions down further through advances in sustainable materials, such as low-impact tyres, leather alternatives, and more efficient recycling processes. As grid electricity in the EU becomes greener and EV technology continues to improve, the climate case for switching to electric vehicles only gets stronger.
Read the Life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions from passenger cars in the European Union: A 2025 update and key factors to consider Report from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) :
2025 ICCT EV Life-Cycle Emissions
Lease Electric's Climate Positive Leasing Service
As part of our Climate Positive Leasing Service, Each time we lease a car or van, we contribute to Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Gold Standard carbon reduction projects to offset the carbon produced during the vehicle's manufacturing process. Additionally, for every electric vehicle leased, we plant 100 trees in the Lease Electric Forest, which helps remove approximately 30 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere for each tree.
Lease Electric has have funded various efforts aimed at renewable energy, deforestation prevention, wetland restoration, and communities around the world. To date, we have contributed to the planting of 28,962 trees and has invested in 51 projects, leading to the avoidance of 6,761.78 tonnes of CO2e. This is equivalent to 5,188 long haul flights (London to San Francisco).