CO2 emissions from different types of fuels and vehicles

CO2 emissions from different types of fuels and vehicles are one of the key issues facing modern transport policy. With the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability, understanding the environmental impact of different fuels is essential for both consumers and producers.

Gasoline and diesel engines are among the most widespread sources of CO2 emissions in transport. Diesel engines, although more efficient and use less fuel per unit of power compared to petrol engines, produce more emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. Gasoline vehicles, on the other hand, have a slightly higher CO2 production per kilometer, which makes the choice between these two types of fuel a compromise between different types of emissions.

With increasing pressure to reduce emissions, alternatives such as hybrid and electric vehicles have become more popular. Hybrid vehicles combine a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric drive, which reduces CO2 emissions as part of the journey can be covered without using fossil fuels. Electric vehicles, which are powered solely by electricity, produce zero emissions during operation. However, it is important to consider the so-called the "emission footprint" of electricity - in countries where energy is primarily produced from coal or other fossil fuels, emissions from electric vehicles may also be indirectly higher.

Another perspective is biofuels and hydrogen technologies. Biofuels, such as bioethanol and biodiesel, are produced from renewable resources such as plants, which can contribute to their sustainability. CO2 emissions from biofuels are often lower, especially when the closed carbon cycle is taken into account. Hydrogen fuel cells, although still in development, represent a promising technology that, if properly developed, could lead to zero CO2 emissions.

Overall, CO2 emissions from transport are a complex topic that requires a balance between technological progress, political decisions and personal consumer preferences. Reducing CO2 emissions from different types of fuels and vehicles is an important step on the way to a more sustainable future, which requires cooperation at the international level as well as individual responsibility.

 

CO2 emissions from different fuels

Fuel type	Kg CO2 per unit of consumption
Mains electricity	43 per kWh
Natural gas	3142 per ton
Diesel fuel	2.68 per liter
Gasoline	2.31 per liter
Coal	2419 per ton
LPG	1.51 per liter

Carbon emissions from different means of transport

Vehicle type	Kg CO2 per liter
A small gasoline car with a volume of 1.4 liters	0.17/km
Medium car (1.4-2.1 liters)	0.22/km
Big car	0.27/km
Average petrol car	0.20/km
Small diesel car (>2 liters)	0.12/km
Big car	0.14/km
Average diesel car	0.12/km
Articulated truck, diesel engine	2.68/km (0.35 liters of fuel per km)
Railway	0.06 per person and km
Air, short distance (500 km)	0.18 per person per km
Air, a long way	0,11
transportation	0.01 per ton and km

(Co2AI)