✅ Medium cost: Efficient tires, aerodynamic improvements
✅ High cost: Hybrid/electric vehicle, public transport season ticket
✅ Lifestyle: Combine trips, work from home, car sharing
📚 Emission Calculation Guide
🎯 What are Vehicle Emissions?
Vehicle emissions are pollutants released from motor vehicles, primarily CO2 (carbon dioxide), which contributes to climate change. This calculator focuses on CO2 emissions based on fuel consumption and driving patterns.
🔬 Calculation Formulas
CO2 from Petrol: Fuel (L) × 2.31 kg CO2/L
CO2 from Diesel: Fuel (L) × 2.65 kg CO2/L
CO2 from LPG: Fuel (L) × 1.62 kg CO2/L
CO2 from CNG: Fuel (kg) × 2.75 kg CO2/kg
Fuel from L/100km: (Distance × Consumption) / 100
Fuel from MPG: Distance / (MPG × 4.546)
🌍 Emission Factors by Fuel Type
Petrol/Gasoline: 2.31 kg CO2 per liter
Diesel: 2.65 kg CO2 per liter (+15% vs petrol)
LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas): 1.62 kg CO2 per liter (-30% vs petrol)
CNG (Compressed Natural Gas): 2.75 kg CO2 per kg (-20% vs petrol)
Biofuels: Vary by source, typically 20-80% lower
📏 Understanding Different Units
L/100km: Liters per 100 kilometers (metric standard)
MPG (US): Miles per gallon (US gallon = 3.785L)
MPG (UK): Miles per gallon (Imperial gallon = 4.546L)
km/L: Kilometers per liter (inverse of L/100km)
g/km: Grams of CO2 per kilometer (standard measurement)
⚠️ Factors Affecting Real-World Emissions
Driving Conditions: City vs highway (city uses 20-40% more)
Weather: Cold weather increases consumption by 10-25%
Traffic: Stop-start traffic can double consumption
Vehicle Load: Passengers and cargo increase emissions
Vehicle Age: Older vehicles typically less efficient
Maintenance: Poor maintenance can increase emissions 20%+
🌿 Environmental Context
Tree Offset: 1 tree absorbs ~22 kg CO2/year
Global Context: Transportation = 16% of global CO2 emissions
Personal Impact: Average car emits 4-5 tons CO2/year
Target: Paris Agreement aims for carbon neutrality by 2050
Progress: New car emissions down 25% since 2000
🔍 Calculator Limitations
Based on direct combustion emissions only (not lifecycle)
Uses average emission factors (actual may vary ±10%)
Doesn't include manufacturing or fuel production emissions
Real-world consumption often 15-25% higher than official figures
Electric vehicle emissions depend on electricity grid mix
💡 Using This Calculator Effectively
Use manufacturer fuel consumption figures for accuracy
Add 15-20% to official figures for real-world conditions
Calculate both individual trips and annual totals
Compare different vehicle options before purchasing
Track your emissions over time to see improvements
Use results to justify eco-friendly transportation choices