How One Electric Vehicle Can Save 1.5 million Grams of CO₂ a Year

As the UK steadily progresses towards its Net Zero by 2050 target, there's increasing focus on decarbonising every part of society — and one of the most impactful areas is transport.

With road transport responsible for nearly a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, making the switch from a petrol or diesel car to an electric vehicle (EV) is one of the most effective individual actions we can take. EVs are not only cleaner to operate but also support the country’s transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon future.

EVs vs Petrol Cars: A Carbon Comparison

Let’s break it down: the average petrol or diesel vehicle emits around 1.5 million grams of CO₂ per year — that’s approximately 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere just from regular driving.

These emissions are the result of burning fossil fuels in internal combustion engines, which also produce other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter — both of which are harmful to human health and contribute to poor air quality in our towns and cities.

How EVs Make a Difference

In contrast, electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions. That means no carbon dioxide, no NOx, and no soot particles being released as the vehicle drives. This is a huge benefit for urban areas where air pollution is a pressing public health concern.

Even when accounting for the electricity used to charge an EV, the overall emissions are significantly lower than those of a conventional vehicle. According to research from the UK Government and independent studies such as those by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), lifetime emissions of an EV are 60–70% lower than those of petrol or diesel vehicles — and this figure is improving year on year.

 Powered by a Greener Grid

The UK’s electricity grid is rapidly decarbonising, with renewables such as wind, solar, and hydro now making up over 40% of electricity generation. As this proportion continues to grow, the environmental impact of driving an EV continues to shrink. In fact, when charged using 100% renewable energy — which is becoming more accessible through green tariffs — an EV can operate almost entirely emissions-free.

 A Scalable Climate Solution

Imagine the cumulative impact if every household in the UK made the switch to an EV. With over 30 million cars on the road, the potential to eliminate tens of millions of tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually is enormous.

Why Making the Switch Matters

Every EV helps to:

• Cut carbon emissions from road transport — a major driver of climate change.

• Improve air quality in our towns and cities.

• Protect public health by reducing harmful pollutants linked to asthma, lung disease, and heart conditions.

• Boost energy efficiency, with EVs converting over 77% of electric energy into movement, compared with just 12–30% for internal combustion engines.

The Bigger Picture: Collective Climate Action

Climate action doesn’t always have to mean huge sacrifices — it’s often the accumulation of small, conscious decisions. Choosing an EV is one of those decisions that has a ripple effect: every switch contributes to cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable transport system.

What’s more, when EVs are powered by clean energy — like solar or wind — their environmental impact is reduced even further, helping the UK hit its legally binding net zero targets by 2050.

But What About Battery Production?

Yes, building EVs, especially their batteries, does produce more emissions upfront than manufacturing traditional cars. However, studies show that EVs offset these emissions within just one to two years of driving — after which they continue to reduce emissions over their lifespan.

The industry is also rapidly improving in areas like battery recycling, ethical sourcing of materials, and using second-life batteries for home and grid energy storage.

 Your Role in the Transition

At Net Zero Club, we believe in empowering people to take climate action into their own hands. Switching to an EV isn’t just about driving — it’s about being part of a broader movement towards sustainability and future-ready cities.

Whether you’re already driving electric or just starting to explore your options, we’re here to help you make informed, climate-conscious choices.

 Get Involved

Are you an EV owner? Thinking of making the switch? Share your experience with the Net Zero Club community and help inspire others on their net zero journey.

Let’s accelerate the transition together — one electric vehicle at a time.