###Key Findings: Electric Vehicles Consistently Better
One of the most striking conclusions is that BEVs generate the lowest lifetime GHG emissions in every single county across the continental U.S. This result holds regardless of local variations in power grid cleanliness, driving patterns, or temperature conditions.
At the high-emission end, ICE pickup trucks were the worst performers, averaging about 486 grams of CO₂ equivalent per mile (302 g/km) over their lifetime. Hybrid pickups outperform conventional ones, reducing emissions by around 23%. However, fully electric pickups produce 75% fewer emissions compared to their gasoline counterparts. Critically, even when loaded with 2,500 pounds (≈ 1,100 kg) of cargo, BEV pickups emitted less than 30% of the emissions of an unloaded ICE pickup.
Among all vehicle types, compact BEV sedans emerged as the least polluting option, with average emissions as low as 81 grams CO₂e per mile—just under 20% of the emissions from a conventional pickup.
Regional & Contextual Insights
The study’s strength lies in its granular, nationwide approach. By covering all 3,108 counties in the contiguous U.S., the researchers demonstrated that electrification reduces climate pollution universally—even in regions with dirtier electricity grids or colder temperatures that typically increase energy use.
The life cycle framework ensures that manufacturing (including battery production) and disposal impacts are factored in. While BEVs may have slightly higher production emissions due to battery manufacturing, they still outperform ICE vehicles dramatically when all stages are considered.
Practical Tools & Policy Implications
To make the results actionable, the research team developed an online emissions calculator—a tool that allows individuals and policymakers to estimate lifetime GHG emissions based on vehicle type, local conditions, and usage patterns.
The authors underscore that vehicle choice matters: opting for a compact BEV when possible maximizes emissions reductions. But for tradespeople and others who need utility vehicles, BEV pickups still offer significantly lower emissions even under heavy loads.
From a policy standpoint, the study provides strong, county-level evidence supporting vehicle electrification across the board. Especially as federal incentives and infrastructure evolve, these findings offer a data-driven foundation for decisions about fleet electrification, zoning, grid upgrades, and more.
Summary
Comprehensive Scope: 35 vehicle-powertrain combinations across sedans, SUVs, and pickups were compared.
Full Life Cycle Assessment: Manufacturing, driving, and disposal stages were all included.
Consistent BEV Advantage: BEVs had the lowest GHG emissions in every U.S. county, regardless of grid or climate.
Quantitative Highlights:
- ICE pickup: ~486 g CO₂e/mile.
- Hybrid pickup: ~23% lower.
- Electric pickup: ~75% lower; still dramatically cleaner when loaded.
- Compact BEV sedan: ~81 g CO₂e/mile—least polluting overall.
Context-sensitive Insights: Cold climates and grid mix were accounted for; BEVs still came out on top.
Actionable Tools Provided: An online calculator guides personalized vehicle decisions.
Policy Relevance: The results support broad electrification and smarter vehicle selection to reduce climate impact.
This life cycle assessment offers compelling evidence that electric vehicles outperform all other vehicle types in terms of lifetime greenhouse gas emissions, everywhere in the contiguous United States. The gains are most dramatic for pickups—where electric versions reduce emissions by about three-quarters compared to their ICE equivalents—even under heavy loads. For smaller sedans, the environmental benefit is even greater.