Ford recently released an infographic that beautifully explains the features and differences of hybrids (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs), and full electric cars (BEV). AEVDC first saw this graphic in insideevs.com and felt that it is an excellent visual follow-up to its post on the ABCs of EVs. Read our post then check out this graphic to gain an better understanding of the ABCs of Electric Vehicles.
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
