A typical non electric petrol or diesel car emits about 4.6 metric tons of CO₂ per year on average.

 

That’s by estimate

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• 4,600 kilograms (10,000 pounds) of CO₂ annually.​

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• Around 400 grams of CO₂ per mile driven.

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• This estimate assumes an average petrol car drives about 11,500 miles (18,500 km) per year.

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• Larger SUVs and trucks usually emit more, while smaller fuel efficient cars emit less.​

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Types of emissions

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• CO₂ is carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a gas made of carbon and oxygen that exists naturally in the atmosphere.

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• CO₂ is produced and released when fuels like petrol, diesel, coal or gas are burned for energy.

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• Vehicle emissions emit CO₂ through the exhaust when the engine burns fuel to power the vehicle.

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• Industrial emissions from factories and power plants release large amounts of CO₂ during manufacturing and electricity production.

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• Natural sources of volcanoes, wildfires and breathing organisms also naturally release CO₂ into the air.

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• Plants use CO₂ to absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis and release oxygen back into the atmosphere.

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• Greenhouse effect of CO₂ traps heat in the atmosphere, helping keep Earth warm but contributing to global warming when levels become too high.

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• Emissions matter with high CO₂ emissions increase climate change, rising temperatures and extreme weather patterns.

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• Reducing CO₂ emissions by using renewable energy, electric vehicles, public transport and energy efficient technology can help lower emissions.

​The type of car takes out different CO₂ emissions a year.

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• Petrol cars uses a petrol engine that burns fuel to create power for moving the vehicle. Common, fast to refuel and widely available.

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• Diesel cars use similar to petrol cars but use diesel fuel for better fuel efficiency and stronger towing power.

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• Hybrid cars combine a fuel engine with an electric motor to reduce fuel use and lower emissions.

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• Plug in hybrid cars (PHEV) can charge from an electrical outlet and also use fuel when the battery runs low.

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• Electric Cars (EVs) run fully on electricity using rechargeable batteries with zero tailpipe emissions.

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• Hydrogen cars use hydrogen fuel cells to produce electricity that powers the vehicle, emitting only water vapour.

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• SUVs  is larger vehicles designed for extra passenger space, comfort and off road capability.

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• Sports cars is built for speed, performance, and handling with powerful engines and aerodynamic designs.

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• Luxury cars focus on premium comfort, advanced technology and high quality interiors.

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• Pickup trucks is designed for carrying heavy loads and towing with an open cargo area in the back.

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Each fuel type takes different amount.

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• Petrol gasoline is burned inside the engine to create small explosions that power the car’s movement.

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• Diesel uses compressed air and diesel fuel ignition to produce power more efficiently than petrol engines.

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• Electricity is stored in rechargeable batteries and used to power electric motors instead of a fuel engine.

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• Hybrid fuel system combines petrol or diesel with electricity to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

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• Hydrogen gas passes through a fuel cell to generate electricity that powers the vehicle.

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• Biofuel is made from plant or organic materials and burned similarly to petrol or diesel with lower fossil fuel use.

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• Natural gas (CNG/LNG) compressed or liquefied gas burned in a modified engine for cleaner emissions.

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• Ethanol fuel is alcohol based fuel often mixed with petrol to reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependence.