State of CHARGE Electric Vehicles’ Global Warming Emissions and Fuel-Cost Savings across the United States

The report finds that electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States generally produce lower global warming emissions than average gasoline vehicles, though the extent of the benefit varies by regional electricity grid mix. It also demonstrates that EVs offer significant annual fuel-cost savings, which can be further maximized through time-of-use (TOU) electricity rate plans.

• Electric vehicles charged on the U.S. power grid have lower global warming emissions than the average gasoline-based vehicle sold today, regardless of the region.
• The global warming benefits of EVs vary by region based on the electricity grid mix; 45% of Americans live in 'BEST' regions where EVs outperform the best gasoline hybrids, 38% live in 'BETTER' regions where they are comparable to the best hybrids, and 17% live in 'GOOD' regions where some hybrids may be a better choice.
• Coal-fired electricity is the most polluting source in the U.S. grid, while wind, solar, nuclear, and hydro have the lowest global warming pollution intensity.
• EV owners can save between $750 and $1,200 per year in fuel costs compared to an average 27 mpg gasoline vehicle when using the lowest-cost electricity plan, representing a 50% to 85% reduction in fueling costs.
• Switching from standard residential electricity rates to time-of-use (TOU) rate plans can provide additional annual savings of hundreds of dollars, particularly in California cities.
• In 44 of the 50 largest U.S. cities evaluated, standard electricity rate plans already offer fuel savings compared to a 50 mpg gasoline hybrid.
• Comparing specific models, the Mitsubishi "i" has a smaller global warming footprint than the Nissan LEAF due to higher electric efficiency (0.30 kWh/mile vs 0.34 kWh/mile).
• The Chevy Volt's emissions and savings depend on the ratio of electric to gasoline miles; assuming 64% of miles are electric, it achieves emissions equivalent to a 60 mpg gasoline vehicle in the cleanest regions.
• To maximize the potential of EVs, the U.S. must simultaneously increase EV market penetration and transition the electricity grid away from coal toward renewable sources.

APA

Anair, D., & Mahmassani, A. (2012). State of CHARGE Electric Vehicles’ Global Warming Emissions and Fuel-Cost Savings across the United States. Union of Concerned Scientists. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/electric-car-global-warming-emissions-report.pdf

Chicago

Anair, Don, and Amine Mahmassani. State of CHARGE Electric Vehicles’ Global Warming Emissions and Fuel-Cost Savings across the United States. Union of Concerned Scientists, 2012. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/electric-car-global-warming-emissions-report.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Anair |first1=Don |last2=Mahmassani |first2=Amine |title=State of CHARGE Electric Vehicles’ Global Warming Emissions and Fuel-Cost Savings across the United States |publisher=Union of Concerned Scientists |date=July 2012 |url=https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/electric-car-global-warming-emissions-report.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{anair2012state, author = {Anair, Don and Mahmassani, Amine}, title = {{State of CHARGE Electric Vehicles’ Global Warming Emissions and Fuel-Cost Savings across the United States}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2012}, month = jul, url = {https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/electric-car-global-warming-emissions-report.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }