All-electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions — but the full environmental picture is more nuanced than that. The electricity used to charge an EV has to come from somewhere, and the mix of sources varies significantly by state.
Why grid mix matters
In states where electricity comes predominantly from renewables, hydro, or nuclear, driving an EV is close to carbon-free in practice. In states that still rely heavily on coal or natural gas, the upstream emissions from generating that electricity are part of the equation. Even so, EVs in the most carbon-intensive grid regions of the U.S. still typically produce lower total emissions than a comparable gasoline vehicle — the internal combustion engine is simply that inefficient.
The grid is getting cleaner
One advantage EVs have over gasoline vehicles is that they get greener over time without any action on your part. As utilities add more renewable capacity, the emissions footprint of every EV on the road automatically improves. A car with a tailpipe is locked into burning fuel for its entire life.
Check your state
The map below shows the electricity generation mix by state, sourced from the U.S. Department of Energy. Find your state to see how your local grid affects the real-world emissions profile of driving electric.