Direct tailpipe emissions come from burning petrol, diesel, LPG, or other fuels. A broader lifecycle view may also include fuel production, vehicle manufacturing, maintenance, and electricity generation for electric vehicles.
Contents
Understanding vehicle emissions
Fuel-specific factors
Fuel factors are normally expressed per litre, kilogram, or unit of energy. Use an authoritative factor for the fuel and region, and do not mix tailpipe-only factors with lifecycle factors in the same comparison.
Calculation example
For a fuel-based estimate, multiply litres consumed by the matching kg CO₂e-per-litre factor. For a distance-based estimate, multiply kilometres by a factor that reflects the vehicle class and occupancy.
Ways to reduce car emissions
- Combine trips and avoid unnecessary mileage.
- Maintain tyre pressure and the vehicle regularly.
- Use public transport, walking, cycling, or shared journeys where practical.
- Compare total energy use, not only tailpipe emissions, when changing vehicles.
CarbonCAM's current mobile release does not calculate vehicle emissions; this article is informational.
Measure your carbon impact
Use CarbonCam to estimate appliance energy and emissions, complete daily tasks, and monitor your verified savings.