How Much CO2 Does a Car Emit Per Year?

We all know that cars emit Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere. This contributes to both air pollution and the greenhouse effect, contributing to a global rise in temperatures. These two reasons are why we monitor CO₂ gas emissions.

CO₂ Emissions across the globe

According to the UK government, transport makes up about 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. The EU, on the other hand, say that road transport contributes to 1/5^th of its CO₂ emissions – and it’s the only sector where CO₂ production is rising.

Therefore, both at home and abroad, measures are being put in place to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide produced by vehicles. For example, the European Union (and the UK) aim to reduce the average emissions emitted by all new cars to 95 grams of CO₂ per kilometre by 2021. This will represent a 40% reduction from the 2007 average emissions for cars of 158.7g/km.

Across the pond, meanwhile, The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that road transport makes up over a quarter of their country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Their goal is to cut greenhouse gas emissions from new cars by 6 billion metric tonnes between 2012-2025.

How much CO₂ is emitted?

According to the SMMT New Car Report 2017, UK cars:

• Emitted 68.5 MtCO₂e (Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) during 2016 – that’s the same amount
• The average new car emits 120.1g/km of CO₂
• CO₂ emissions from cars has dropped by 8.9% between 2000 and 2015
• Total CO₂ emissions from all vehicles currently on the road has fallen by 4.6% between 2000 – 2015

CO₂ Emissions from new different types of cars:

Thanks to new advances in technology:

• A new car emits about 20% less than the average car currently in use. (The average car on the road in 2015 emitted 153.0g/km, whereas a new car only emitted 121.4g/km)
• AFV (Alternatively Fuelled Vehicle), such as hybrid cars, emit around 40% less CO₂ than the average car on the market.
• Furthermore, a diesel car emits 20% less than a petrol car.

Progress in the future?

With targets set for 2021, the drive for efficiency and new production methods continues, so it will be interesting to see whether emissions continue to drop in the coming years.

However, with the increase in car usage (a 7% rise between 2000 and 2015), any emission reductions may be offset, unless there is a reduction in the amount people use their vehicles.

In the meantime, if you’re looking to reduce your CO₂ emissions (as well as your fuel costs), find out how Lightfoot could help achieve both of these things here.

Related Posts:

• How Do Vehicle Emissions Affect Your Health? 
• Air Pollution – The Facts (and how to make a difference)