Car CO2 emission calculator
This CO2 emission calculator computes the annual carbon dioxide output of your vehicle based on drive type, fuel or energy consumption, and annual mileage. For combustion cars we use emission factors of 2.31 kg CO2/litre for petrol and 2.68 kg CO2/litre for diesel. For EVs we include the indirect emissions from the Polish electricity grid (0.40 kg CO2/kWh). Compare both drive types side by side.
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How we calculate CO2 emissions
Combustion: emissions (kg/year) = consumption (L/100 km) ÷ 100 × distance (km) × CO2 factor (2.31 for petrol, 2.68 for diesel). EV: emissions (kg/year) = consumption (kWh/100 km) ÷ 100 × distance × 0.40 (Polish grid factor). Emissions in g/km = emissions (kg/year) ÷ distance × 1,000.
Example calculation
Petrol car, 7 L/100 km, 15,000 km/year: 7 ÷ 100 × 15,000 × 2.31 = 2,425.5 kg CO2/year (161.7 g/km). Electric car, 20 kWh/100 km, Polish grid: 20 ÷ 100 × 15,000 × 0.40 = 1,200 kg CO2/year (80 g/km). The EV emits about 1,226 kg CO2 less per year.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a combustion car's CO2 emissions?
Emissions (kg/year) = fuel consumption (L/100 km) ÷ 100 × distance (km) × CO2 factor. For petrol: 2.31 kg CO2/l; for diesel: 2.68 kg CO2/l. Example: 7 L/100 km × 15,000 km × 2.31 = 2,425.5 kg CO2/year.
Why does diesel emit more CO2 per litre than petrol?
Diesel contains more carbon per litre than petrol, giving it a higher CO2 factor (2.68 vs 2.31 kg/l). However diesel has higher energy density so diesel engines are more fuel-efficient and in practice often emit less CO2 per km than comparable petrol engines.
What are CO2 emissions of an electric car in Poland?
An EV has zero direct emissions, but charging uses grid electricity. The Polish grid emits about 0.40 kg CO2/kWh (2024 mix). At 20 kWh/100 km over 15,000 km/year that is about 1,200 kg CO2/year — over 50% less than an average petrol car.
What is the average fuel consumption of a passenger car in Poland?
Average consumption ranges from 5 to 10 l/100 km depending on segment and engine type. Small A/B segment: 4–6 l/100 km, compact: 6–8 l/100 km, SUV: 7–12 l/100 km. EVs typically consume 15–25 kWh/100 km.
How many kilometres per year does an average Polish driver cover?
According to GUS data the average Polish driver covers 12,000–18,000 km/year (default 15,000 km in the calculator). Urban drivers average 8,000–12,000 km; commuters and business drivers can exceed 25,000–40,000 km.
How can I reduce my car's CO2 emissions?
Drive smoothly (gentle acceleration, steady speed), maintain correct tyre pressure (under-inflated tyres increase fuel use by 3–5%), keep the car serviced, avoid unnecessary cargo, switch off the engine when stationary for more than 30 seconds, and consider a hybrid or EV.
Does the carbon footprint include vehicle manufacturing?
This calculator covers only operational emissions (Well-to-Wheel). Manufacturing a combustion car produces about 6–20 tonnes CO2; an EV produces 10–25 tonnes due to battery production. Over a full lifetime EV total CO2 falls below that of a combustion car after 2–5 years of use.
What is the EU CO2 emission standard for new cars?
EU fleet-average limits: 93.6 g CO2/km from 2025, 49.5 g CO2/km from 2030 (55% cut vs 2021), and 0 g CO2/km from 2035 (effectively banning new combustion cars). The average new car in 2023 emitted about 107 g CO2/km.
Do hybrid cars emit less CO2 than combustion cars?
Full hybrids (HEV) typically emit 20–40% less CO2 than comparable combustion cars by recovering braking energy and switching off the engine in traffic. Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) can emit even less if regularly charged, with 0 g/km direct emissions in EV mode.
How do I compare costs and emissions between an EV and a petrol car?
At 15,000 km/year: petrol car (7 l/100 km, PLN 7/l) costs PLN 7,350 on fuel and emits about 2,425 kg CO2. EV (20 kWh/100 km, PLN 0.85/kWh) costs PLN 2,550 and emits about 1,200 kg CO2. CO2 saving: ≈1,225 kg/year; financial saving: ≈PLN 4,800/year. Higher EV purchase price typically pays back in 4–7 years.
Results are indicative and cover operational emissions only (Well-to-Wheel). Vehicle manufacturing emissions are not included.