EV Carbon Footprint Calculator
Created by: Liam Turner
Last updated: 21-August-2024
Estimate the annual CO2 emissions from charging and using your electric vehicle. This calculator helps you understand the environmental impact based on your driving habits and local electricity grid.
What is an EV Carbon Footprint Calculator?
An EV Carbon Footprint Calculator estimates the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with charging and driving an electric vehicle. It considers factors like annual mileage, the EV's energy efficiency, and the carbon intensity of the electricity used for charging.
EV Carbon Footprint Formulas
The core calculation involves:
1. Total Annual Energy Consumed (kWh) = (Annual Mileage / Energy Efficiency (miles/kWh))
Alternatively, if efficiency is in kWh/mile: Total Annual Energy Consumed (kWh) = Annual Mileage * Energy Efficiency (kWh/mile)
2. Total Annual CO2 Emissions (g) = Total Annual Energy Consumed (kWh) * Electricity Carbon Intensity (g CO2e/kWh)
The result is often converted to kilograms (kg) or metric tonnes.
How to Calculate EV Carbon Footprint: Example
An EV driven 10,000 miles/year, with an efficiency of 3 miles/kWh, using electricity with a carbon intensity of 200 g CO2e/kWh:
1. Total Energy = 10,000 miles / 3 miles/kWh = 3333.33 kWh
2. Total CO2 = 3333.33 kWh * 200 g CO2e/kWh = 666,666 g CO2e = 666.67 kg CO2e
Common Applications
- Comparing the lifecycle emissions of EVs to gasoline cars.
- Understanding the impact of electricity grid greening on EV emissions.
- Making informed decisions about charging with renewable energy.
- Assessing personal carbon footprint from transportation.
Sources and References
- [Placeholder for Source 1: e.g., EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator]
- [Placeholder for Source 2: e.g., International Energy Agency (IEA) data on electricity generation]
- [Placeholder for Source 3: e.g., Local utility company's electricity source disclosure]