Electric Vehicle Emissions: A Fair Comparison with Internal Combustion Engine Cars

In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have become a global topic of discussion—not only for their technological development but also for their promise to reduce emissions and protect the environment. While many view them as the perfect solution to pollution, others believe the picture is more complex.
So, are electric cars truly environmentally friendly? And how do their emissions compare with traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars?
In this article, we break down the key differences to provide a clear and balanced perspective.

1. Emissions During Driving

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The biggest advantage of EVs is that they produce zero direct tailpipe emissions during driving.
No exhaust gases, no CO2, no nitrogen oxides—because the electric motor does not rely on burning fuel.

But this doesn’t mean their environmental impact is zero.
The source of electricity matters greatly.

• If the electricity comes from renewable energy (solar, wind), emissions are significantly lower.

• If it comes from coal or oil, EVs indirectly contribute to emissions during power generation.

Internal Combustion Engine Cars (ICE)

Traditional gasoline and diesel cars are the most polluting during operation, emitting:

• Carbon dioxide (CO2)

• Carbon monoxide (CO)

• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

• Fine particulate matter

• Volatile organic compounds

These emissions accumulate especially in busy cities, directly affecting air quality and public health.

2. Emissions During Manufacturing

Electric Vehicle Manufacturing

Battery production—especially lithium-ion batteries—is the most emission-heavy phase.
Many studies show that producing a single EV battery can generate emissions equal to several years of driving a gasoline car.

Reasons include:

• Extraction of lithium, cobalt, and nickel

• Energy-intensive industrial processes

• Long-distance transport of raw materials

However, many manufacturers are reducing these emissions by using clean energy in their factories.

Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle Manufacturing

ICE vehicles generally have lower manufacturing emissions because they don’t require large battery packs.
Still, producing engines, transmissions, and vehicle structures contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions—but less than EV battery production.

3. Full Lifecycle Emissions (Well-to-Wheel)

When evaluating total emissions across a vehicle’s entire life—from production to usage to disposal—the results are clearer:

Electric Vehicles

• Higher emissions during battery production

• But they compensate for this over time due to zero tailpipe emissions

• With cleaner electricity, EVs become dramatically more environmentally friendly

Internal Combustion Cars

• Lower manufacturing emissions

• But produce constant emissions every day they are driven

• The more fuel they consume, the worse their environmental impact becomes

For this reason, most studies conclude that EVs are more environmentally friendly over their full lifecycle.

4. What About Battery Disposal?

Battery disposal was once a major concern, but the industry has advanced significantly:

• Up to 90% of lithium, cobalt, and nickel can be recycled

• Companies like Tesla, CATL, and Mercedes have dedicated recycling programs

• Old batteries are often reused for solar energy storage before final disposal

This means the environmental impact of EV batteries is decreasing year by year.

5. So, What’s the Truth?

The EV vs. ICE debate isn’t simple. Both sides have strengths and weaknesses.
But looking at the big picture:

Electric Vehicles win environmentally in the long term because they:

• Produce zero tailpipe emissions

• Benefit from cleaner energy sources every year

• Have increasingly eco-friendly battery production

• Are supported by growing recycling technologies

Meanwhile, Internal Combustion Cars:

• Consistently emit CO2

• Harm air quality and public health

• Rely on fuels with significant extraction and refinement emissions