--- title: "New Study Proves EVs Are Always Cleaner Than Gas Cars" date: "2025-09-02" modified: "2025-09-02" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/new-study-proves-evs-are-always-cleaner-than-gas-cars" categories: - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "News" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" --- # New Study Proves EVs Are Always Cleaner Than Gas Cars ![Electric Cars Charging]() *\Carlin Stiehl/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images\* It's broadly understood that [electric vehicles]() are more environmentally friendly than their counterparts that burn only gasoline. And yes—that includes the impact of manufacturing batteries and generating power to charge them. But even then, such generalizations gloss over specifics, like *which* EVs are especially eco-friendly, not to mention where. The efficiency of an electric car varies greatly [depending on ambient temperature](), which is less compromising for gas-burning vehicles. We now have the data and math to answer these questions, courtesy of the University of Michigan. Last week, researchers there [released a study]() along with a [calculator]() that allows users to compare the lifetime difference in greenhouse gas emissions of various vehicle types and powertrains from "cradle to grave," as they say. That includes vehicle production and disposal, as well as use-phase emissions from "driving and upstream fuel production and/or electricity generation," [per the university]() itself. What's more, these calculations can be skewed by where you live. So, if I punch in my location of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, I can see that my generic, pure-ICE "compact sedan" emits 309 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent (gCO2e) per mile. A compact hybrid would emit 20% less; a plug-in hybrid, 44% less; and an EV with a 200-mile range, a whopping *63%* less. And, if I moved to Phoenix, the gains would be even larger by switching to pure electric, to the tune of a 79% reduced carbon impact. ![]() *Per the study: "This chart shows how greenhouse gas emissions of different types of vehicles compare with a gas-powered pickup truck, according to new U-M research. Grams of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted per mile are listed in parentheses. Powertrain abbreviations are as follows: ICEV = Internal combustion engine vehicle; HEV = Hybrid electric vehicle; PHEV = Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle; BEV = Battery electric vehicle. Numbers after the powertrain abbreviation indicate the electric mileage range." *Umich.edu** Where this research is especially eye-opening is when comparing, say, the most efficient purely internal combustion or mild-hybrid vehicle to a [large electric SUV]() or [pickup]() equipped with a big [battery](). The heaviest, largest EV still emits just 71% as much carbon dioxide as a compact that burns only gas (again, using PA as our venue). So, yes—as shocking as it might be to consider, a 7,000-pound [Rivian R1T]() is less damaging to the environment than a normal [Civic](), over its lifecycle. Meanwhile, it turns out that a midsize, plug-in hybrid SUV with a 35-mile battery-only range lands about even with a 400-mile, all-electric pickup in the lifetime emissions department. Given the popularity of trucks in the U.S., the study also factored into account the cost of pickups hauling cargo. However, even with a 2,500-pound payload, an electric truck with a 400-mile range is still estimated to produce around 35% the CO2 equivalent of a gas-only truck hauling nothing. On the flip side, cargo obviously hurts an EV's range more than it would an ICE truck's. ![A Ford F-150 Lightning tows a boat down the highway.]() **Ford** Check out the university's [calculator](), play around with different variables, and see for yourself. The researchers admit there's some room for improvement. Charging times and patterns weren't factored into this analysis, for example, and the study acknowledges that emissions do vary depending on grid load. That said, the message is clear: *Any* vehicle with an internal combustion engine only, no matter the size or shape, is more detrimental to the environment than *any* EV. And, while choosing the smallest possible vehicle to fit your needs is best—regardless of what your car runs on—the researchers leave us with another major takeaway: "We estimate that powertrain electrification has greater potential for lifecycle emissions reduction relative to the benefits of downsizing alone." *Got a news tip? Let us know at tips@thedrive.com.*[]() ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()