Do Hybrid Cars Produce More CO2 Than Electric Vehicles? The Truth Explained

With fuel prices climbing and climate concerns growing, more Australians are weighing up the environmental impact of their next car purchase. One question often asked is: Do hybrid cars produce more CO2 than electric vehicles (EVs)?

The short answer is yes — over the long term, EVs generally produce less CO2 than hybrids, especially when charged with renewable energy. However, the full picture depends on how the vehicles are used, how they are charged, and where they are driven.

This guide compares tailpipe, well-to-wheel, and life-cycle CO2 emissions for hybrid and electric vehicles in Australia, so you can make an informed choice.

Understanding Vehicle Emissions

Tailpipe Emissions

• Hybrid cars: Use both a petrol engine and an electric motor, meaning they still emit CO2 when the engine runs. Typical Australian hybrid tailpipe emissions range from 90–120 g/km.
• Electric vehicles (EVs): Produce zero tailpipe emissions — no exhaust pipe, no direct CO2 output while driving.

Well-to-Wheel Emissions

Tailpipe emissions don’t tell the whole story. Well-to-wheel emissions factor in the CO2 released during fuel production and electricity generation.

• In Australia, EVs charged from the current energy grid produce ~40–80 g/km due to the country’s fossil fuel-heavy electricity mix.
• Hybrids burn petrol, so their well-to-wheel emissions are typically higher unless the EV is charged from non-renewable sources 100% of the time.

Hybrid Cars vs EVs: CO2 Comparison in Australia

Impact of Renewable Charging

When EVs are charged with solar power or a renewable-rich grid, their CO2 emissions drop to near zero in operation. This gives them a significant long-term advantage over hybrids.

Life-Cycle Emissions: From Manufacturing to Disposal

Manufacturing Phase

• EV batteries require significant mining and processing of lithium, cobalt, and nickel, making their production CO2 footprint higher than that of hybrids.
• Hybrids have smaller batteries and therefore lower manufacturing emissions.

Break-Even Point

Studies show EVs in Australia typically overtake hybrids in lifetime CO2 savings after 2–4 years of average driving, depending on charging habits.

Pros and Cons: CO2 Perspective

Hybrid Pros

• Lower CO2 footprint during manufacturing.
• No need for charging infrastructure.
• Good for regional travel without charging stops.

Cons:

• Ongoing CO2 emissions while driving.
• Less effective for long-term emissions reduction.

EV Pros

• Zero tailpipe emissions.
• Much lower lifetime CO2 when charged with renewables.
• Potential for full carbon neutrality with clean charging.

Cons:

• Higher initial manufacturing CO2.
• Dependent on Australia’s electricity grid for CO2 benefits.

Which is Better for Australia Right Now?

• City drivers with solar panels → EVs win for CO2 reduction.
• Regional drivers without charging access → Hybrids may be more practical.

Mixed-use drivers → Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) could offer the middle ground.