Written by Daniel S. Cohen, Contributor

By design, Hybrids (including plug-in Hybrids or PHEVs) emit lower levels of carbon dioxide than traditional gasoline powered cars. But how significant is the CO2 reduction? Very significant. Read on!

Below is a comparison of the annual CO2 emissions, measured in metric tons, of a range of gasoline, hybrid and plug in hybrid vehicles. The significant reduction in CO2 as the result of increasing electric power is staggering.  The Honda Accord PHEV emits 57% less CO2 than the gasoline powered model (2.0 vs. 4.6 metric tons/year*).  Over the typical 10 year service life of the Honda Accord, that equates to a reduction of 26 metric tons of CO2 by driving the PHEV model in place of the gasoline powered model.  Similarly the #2 selling electric vehicle, the Ford Fusion Energi, reduces CO2 by 60% from 4.8 to 1.9 metric tons of CO2.

Even the Porsche Panamera Hybrid reduces CO2 by 52%, or -3.3 metric tons/year vs. the gasoline powered model.

So which vehicle has the lowest CO2 emissions?  The Chevrolet VOLT at just 1.2 metric tons/year owing to its extended electric range (EPA rated at 38 miles).

Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Hybrids vs. Gasoline Powered Cars *

Manufacturer	Model	Gasoline	Hybrid	Plug-In Hybrid	CO2 Reduction	% Reduction
	CO2*	CO2*	CO2*
Honda	Accord	4.6	2.8	2.0	-2.6	-57%
Ford	Fusion	4.8	3.1	1.9	-2.9	-60%
Honda	Civic	4.1	2.9	NA	-1.2	-29%
Toyota	Camry	4.6	3.2	NA	-1.4	-30%
Porsche	Panamera	6.4	3.1	NA	-3.3	-52%
Toyota	Prius	NA	2.7	2.0	-0.7	-26%
Ford	C Max	NA	3.4	1.9	-1.5	-44%
Chevrolet	VOLT	NA	NA	1.2
* Annual CO2 Emission – metric tons

*All models are 2014

** CO₂ tailpipe emissions measured in metric tons per year 

Source

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbsSelect