Comparison of electric vehicles and internal combustion engine cars from the perspective of the company's CO2 footprint

The use of electric vehicles (BEV) in corporate fleets, among other things, often raises questions: “Do electric cars produce less CO₂ than internal‑combustion‑engine (ICE) cars, even when battery production is taken into account?” or “Is an electric vehicle truly a cleaner technology from a whole‑life‑cycle perspective?” New studies from Canada and the Czech Republic provide scientifically backed answers.

Canadian and Czech study – main differences in the results

According to a Canadian analysis, BEVs achieve 70–77 % lower emissions than ICE vehicles. A Czech study led by Kamil Jaššo (FEKT VUT) arrived at similar figures: for example, the electric Hyundai Kona will emit 39–46 % less CO₂ equivalent over 15 years of operation than the gasoline version. Possible differences between Canada and the Czech Republic are explained by the different energy mix (the share of fossil and renewable sources in the electricity grid) in each country.

A specific aspect of the Czech conclusions is that scientists, when calculating CO₂ eq intensity, assumed a scenario where oil (for gasoline and diesel production) comes from the Druzhba pipeline. Thus, the ecological burden was fundamentally lower than in a calculation version that includes oil transport, e.g., by tankers.

Including battery production for BEV vehicles and a mileage comparison

The production of lithium batteries increases BEV emissions by 40–70 % compared to ICE vehicles. According to VUT, this CO₂ eq debt is offset after only 17 500 – 32 200 km driven in the Czech Republic. Why? 

Because the efficiency of electric motors in BEVs is 87–91 %, while internal combustion engines in ICEs use only 16–25 % of the fuel’s energy. Even when the battery is replaced (which is exceptional), BEVs remain significantly cleaner with lower overall CO₂ eq production.

A new trend is also material recycling. This will help electric vehicles further reduce their environmental impact and CO2 eq footprint.

Break‑even point and specifics of the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, due to its high share of coal (over 40%), has higher CO2 eq emissions in electricity generation than, for example, Slovakia (nuclear and hydro power), but it is still better than Poland (75% coal).

In the comparative study, VUT showed that in Poland the emissions of BEVs equal those of a gasoline ICE car after an average mileage of 48,000 km. In the Czech Republic the average annual mileage of passenger cars is 13,000 km – emission break even point (break‑even point) therefore occurs after 2 – 2.5 years compared with the conditions in Poland.

How to maximize the benefit of BEV vehicles for reducing the company's CO2 eq footprint

1. Charge with green energy (solar panels, green tariff from the supplier).
2. Avoid fast chargers during peak times when the grids rely on coal.
3. Choose vehicles with an appropriate battery (smaller battery = faster offset of CO2 eq debt).