Cars With Lowest CO2 Emissions: Full List by Car Type, Size, Energy Source

Georgette Kilgore headshot, wearing 8 Billion Trees shirt with forest in the background.Written by Georgette Kilgore

Carbon Offsets Credits | January 11, 2023

Woman with her finger on her chin wonders about cars with the lowest CO2 emissions rates while looking at a truck, car and a van with carbon emissions clouds hovering above them.

Low-emission vehicles, or cars with the lowest CO2 emissions, are hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles that do not emit tailpipe emissions.

Cars with the lowest CO2 emissions emit less than 100 grams of carbon emissions per kilometer and have a zero-emission range of twenty miles. Some other ‘zdero emissions’ cars are electric vehicles, but these, while not emitting tailpipe emissions, still generate emissions when they are charged.

Moreover, some batteries are very damaging to the environment. Ultra-low emissions cars are vehicles (hybrid and electric), including vans, that emit less than 75 grams of carbon emissions per kilometer.1

But what are the cars with the lowest CO2 emissions? This complete guide breaks it down.

Cars With Lowest CO2 Emissions

Every year the cars with lowest CO2 emissions are ranked according to class and performance.

The vehicles that usually make the list include the lowest emission hybrid cars, the best low-emission SUV and cars with no CO2 emissions during operations.

Of course, the manufacturing does create emissions and so does the eventual disposal.

Best Green Cars 2022

The best green cars 2022 are cars ranked by CO2 emissions, and the list includes cars with CO2 emissions less than 50g/km, and hybrid cars with less than 50g/km.

Type of Green CarCO2 Emissions (Tailpipe)
Polestar 2 (2022) – Best small electric car0g of carbon emissions per km
Mini Cooper SE (2022) – Best runner-up for small electric car0g of carbon emissions per km
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2022) – Best medium-sized electric car0g of carbon emissions per km
Ford Mustang Mach-E (2022) – Best runner-up for medium-sized electric car0g of carbon emissions per km
Porsche Taycan (2022) Best large electric car0g of carbon emissions per km
Audi RS E-Tron GT (2022) – Best runner-up for large electric car0g of carbon emissions per km
GMC Hummer EV (2022)  – Best extra-large electric car341g of carbon emissions per km (if the Hummer is run on clean energy, the CO2 emissions may be lower.)
Hyundai Kona Electric (2022) – Best cost-effective electric car0g of carbon emissions per km
Volkswagen ID (2022) – Best runner-up for cost-effective electric car0g of carbon emissions per km
Mercedes-Benz EQS (2022) – Best luxury electric car0g of carbon emissions per km
Lucid Air (2022)  Best runner-up for luxury electric car0g of carbon emissions per km
BMW iX (2022) – Best luxury electric crossover or SUV0g of carbon emissions per km
Rivian R1T (2022)  Best electric pickup0g of carbon emissions per km
Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo (2022) –  Best electric station wagon0g of carbon emissions per km3

List of Cars With Low CO2 Emissions

Gasoline-powered cars are often dismissed too quickly for being the worst cars for CO2 emissions.

However, the lowest-emission gas cars do exist, and the list often includes the lowest emission SUV as well.

Graph that shows the cars with low CO2 emissions per km.

Car Make and ModelCO2 Emissions Per Km
Citroen C1 1.0 VTi Touch108 CO2e per km
Peugeot 108 Top! 1.0L Active112 CO2e per km
FIAT 500C 1.0 Pop Mild Hybrid120 CO2e per km
FIAT Panda Cross 1.0 City Cross Mild Hybrid126 CO2e per km
Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 SE125 CO2e per km
Toyota Aygo 1.0 VVTi113 CO2e per km
Mazda 2 1.5 Sport Nav 90PS Skyactiv-G120 CO2e per km
Ford Fiesta 1.0T EcoBoost Trend116 CO2e per km
Citroen C3 PureTech 68 S&S Touch132 CO2e per km
Mazda 3 Saloon 2.0 SEL 180PS Skyactiv-X MHEV122 CO2e per km
Ford Puma 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid (MHEV) Titanium 125PS125 CO2e per km
Ford Focus 1.0L EcoBoost Zetec 125PS125 CO2e per km
Suzuki Ignis 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid SZ3117 CO2e per km
Vauxhall Astra Hatch 1.2 Turbo SE 110PS120 CO2e per km
Renault Clio 1.0 TCe Play 100117 CO22e per km
Volkswagen UP! 1.0 60PS S/S124 CO2e per km
Kia Picanto 1.0 1 66bhp117 CO2e per km4

List of Electric Cars With Low CO2 Emissions

The following table contains a list of electric cars with low CO22 emissions:

Type of EVCO2 Emissions Per Km
Tesla Model 3 Performance AWD Auto0g of carbon emissions per km
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus Auto0g of carbon emissions per km
Tesla Model 3 RWD Auto0g of carbon emissions per km
Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD Auto0g of carbon emissions per km

It must be noted however that the life cycle GHG emissions of a Tesla Model 3 car is 376g CO2e per km.

Hybrid Cars With Low CO2 Emissions

Included on the list of cars with the lowest CO2 emissions, is a hybrid a low-emission vehicle. The below table indicates hybrid car CO2 emissions per km:

table indicates hybrid car CO2 emissions per km

Hybrid Car Make and ModelCO2 Emissions Per Km
Toyota Corolla Hatch 1.8 VVT-i Icon Hybrid Auto101g of CO2 emissions per km
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports 1.8 VVT-i Icon Hybrid Auto103g of CO2 emissions per km
Toyota Corolla Saloon 1.8 VVT-i Icon Hybrid Auto102g of CO2 emissions per km
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid 1.6 GDi SE Connect 141PS Blue Drive DCT102g of CO2 emissions per km
Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVT-i Icon Hybrid Auto108g of CO2 emissions per km
Kia Niro Hybrid 1.6 GDi 2 139bhp DCT110g of CO2 emissions per km
Toyota C-HR 1.8 VVT-i Icon Hybrid 122hp Auto109g of CO2 emissions per km
Toyota Corolla Hatch 2.0 VVT-i Icon Hybrid Auto111g of CO2 emissions per km
Hyundai Kona Hybrid 1.6 GDi Hybrid SE 141PS DCT114g of CO2 emissions per km
Lexus UX 250h without Navi E-CVT120g of CO2 emissions per km
Ford Mondeo Hybrid Saloon 2.0L TiVCT Zetec Edition HEV 187PS Auto127g of CO2 emissions per km
Toyota Camry 2.5 VVT-i Design Hybrid Auto120g of CO2 emissions per km
Lexus ES 300h E-CVT119g of CO2 emissions per km
Lexus CT 200h E-CVT118g of CO2 emissions per km
Toyota RAV4 2.5 VVT-i Design Hybrid AWD Auto131g of CO2 emissions per km
Lexus IS 300h CVT137g of CO2 emissions per km
Toyota Prius+ 1.8 VVT-i Icon Auto132g of CO2 emissions per km
Lexus RC 300h E-CVT141g of CO2 emissions per km
Lexus RX 450h Premium E-CVT178g of CO2 emissions per km
Lexus NX 300h E-CVT 4WD171g of CO2 emissions per km
Lexus RX L 450h L E-CVT185g of CO2 emissions per km
Lexus LS 500h E-CVT176g of CO2 emissions per km
Lexus LC 500h 3.5 V6 Hybrid Auto184g of CO2 emissions per km
Honda NSX 3.5 Twin-Turbocharged V6 Hybrid DCT242g of CO2 emissions per km5

Plug-in hybrid CO2 emissions have been under scrutiny in 2022, as the EU is reassessing the CO2 emissions from cars that fall within this category. It has been found that PHEV emissions are much higher than previously stated.

Cars With Lowest CO2 Emissions

Cars with lowest CO2 emissions must emit below 50g of CO2 per km to qualify for low-CO2 status, according to EU car standards.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles can only achieve that feat by driving 70% of their overall mileage on the electric motor. However, because driver behavior cannot be controlled, it is estimated that instead of the expected 38g of CO22 per km, PHEV emissions are between 114 and 190 g of CO2 per km.6

Cars With Less Than 50 CO2

The below table lists the cars with less than 50 CO2 per km:

Car Make and ModelCO2 Emissions Per Km (Tailpipe Emissions)
Volkswagen ID.30g of CO2 emissions per km
MG 5 EV0g of CO2 emissions per km
Hyundai Ioniq 50g of CO2 emissions per km
Audi Q4 e-Tron0g of CO2 emissions per km
Mercedes C 300 e14g of CO2 emissions per km
Mini Electric0g of CO2 emissions per km
Renault Zoe0g of CO2 emissions per km7

Petrol Cars With Low CO2 Emissions

As petrol car engines start burning fuel while in motion, the process produces CO2 through the tailpipe. The lower the amount of CO2 emissions, the more fuel-efficient the vehicle and the better it is for the environment.

The below table lists petrol cars with low CO2 emissions:

The table that lists petrol cars with low CO2 emissions

Car Make and ModelCO2 Emissions Per Km (Tailpipe Emissions)
Porsche 918 Spyder – 201572g of CO2 emissions per km
Smart Passion Cabriolet – 201487g of CO2 emissions per km
Citroen C1 VTi 68 – 201495g of CO2 emissions per km
Scion iQ2 – 201499g of CO2 emissions per km
Suzuki Alto – 201499g of CO2 emissions per km
Citroen C3 VTi 68 – 201499g of CO2 emissions per km
Kia Picanto VR7 – 201499g of CO2 emissions per km
Ford B-MAX Zetec – 2014104g of CO2 emissions per km
Citroen C4 Picasso – 2014105g of CO2 emissions per km8

Diesel Cars With Low CO2 Emissions

Along with petrol cars with low CO2 emissions, there are also several diesel cars with low CO2 emissions.

The below table highlights the different diesel cars with low CO2 emissions:

Car Make and ModelCO2 Emissions Per Km (Tailpipe Emissions)
Citroen C3 1.6 BlueHDi Feel 100hp S&S117g of CO2 emissions per km
Vauxhall Corsa 1.5 Turbo D SE 102PS109g of CO2 emissions per km
Peugeot 208 1.5L BlueHDi Active 100 S&S109g of CO2 emissions per km
Citroen C4 Cactus BlueHDi Flair 100122 g of CO2 emissions per km
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer 1.5 Turbo D SE 105PS114g of CO2 emissions per km
Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC Turbo S 120PS117g of CO2 emissions per km
Peugeot 308 SW 1.5L BlueHDi Active 100 S&S120g of CO2 emissions per km
Vauxhall Astra Hatch 1.5 Turbo D SE 105PS113 g of CO2 emissions per km
VW Golf 2.0 TDI Life 115PS108g of CO2 emissions per km
Peugeot 308 1.5L BlueHDi Active 100 S&S119g of CO2 emissions per km9

Automatic Cars With Low CO2 Emissions

Automatic cars are generally more expensive than manual cars, and more complicated to maintain. Fortunately, in the pro column is the fact that there are many different types of automatic cars with low CO2 emissions.

The below table lists the most popular automatic cars with low CO2 emissions:

Car Make and ModelCO2 Emissions per Km
Audi e-tron S Sportback quattro Vorsprung Auto0g of CO2 emissions per km
Volkswagen ID.3 Life Pure Performance 45kWh 150PS Auto0g of CO2 emissions per km
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric 58 kWh SE Connect RWD 170PS Auto0g of CO2 emissions per km
VW ID.4 Life Pure 52kWh 148PS Auto0g of CO2 emissions per km
BMW iX3 80kWh M Sport 210kW Auto0g of CO2 emissions per km
Citroen e-Berlingo 100kW Electric Vehicle 50kWh Feel M Auto0g of CO2 emissions per km
Citroen e-SpaceTourer Electric 50kWh Flair M136 Auto0g of CO2 emissions per km
Peugeot e-Rifter Electric 50kWh Standard Allure Premium Auto0g of CO2 emissions per km
Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4Matic AMG Line Auto0g of CO2 emissions per km
Vauxhall Combo-e Crew 2300 50kWh Dynamic L2H1 Auto0g of CO2 emissions per km10

Small Cars With Low CO2 Emissions

The below list highlights the best small cars with low CO2 emissions (0g of CO2e per km):

  • Renault Twizy Expression Auto
  • Hyundai Ioniq Electric Premium Auto
  • Peugeot e-208 Active 136 Auto
  • VW e-UP! Auto
  • Audi e-tron quattro Technik Auto
  • MG5 EV Excite Auto
  • Fiat 500 Hatch Electric Action Auto
  • Tesla Model X Long-Range Auto
  • Hyundai Kona Electric SE Connect Auto11

Family Cars With Low CO2 Emissions

Family cars are some of the most popular vehicles around the world, especially since low-emission options became available. There are several family cars with low CO2 emissions available today including BEV and PHEV options.

The below list details these car options (0g of CO2e per km)

  • Genesis GV60 Premium Single Motor RWD
  • Hyundai Ioniq Electric
  • Mercedes EQB 300 4Matic
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric SE Connect
  • Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Auto
  • Toyota Prius PHEV 1.8 VVT-i BE Plus Hybrid Auto
  • Skoda Superb iV Hatch
  • Peugeot 508 Fastback Hybrid
  • Toyota Prius 1.8 VVT-i12

Sports Cars With Low CO2 Emissions

For the discerning car buyer with a taste for speed, there are some excellent options when it comes to sports cars with low CO2 emissions.

The below table indicates the most popular sports cars with low CO2 emissions:

Car Make and ModelCO2 Emissions per Km (Tailpipe Emissions)
BMW i8 Coupe49g of CO2 emissions per km
Mazda MX-5142 g of CO2 emissions per km
BMW 4 Series (Coupe)146g of CO2 emissions per km
Honda NSX Coupe291g of CO2 emissions per km
Tesla Model S Hatchback0.93g of CO2 emissions per km
BMW 2 Series Coupe122 g of CO2 emissions per km
VW Scirocco 2.0142 g of CO2 emissions per km
Lexus LC Coupe184g of CO2 emissions per km13

Company Cars With Low CO2 Emissions

For companies working to reduce their overall carbon emissions, company cars with low CO2 emissions are a perfect option for staff.

Car Make and ModelCO2 Emissions per Km
BMW 3 Series 330e31g of CO2 emissions per km
VW ID.30g of CO2 emissions per km
Tesla Model 30g of CO2 emissions per km
Skoda Superb iV25g of CO2 emissions per km
Volvo XC40 T5 Recharge48g of CO2 emissions per km
Kia e-Niro0g of CO2 emissions per km
Range Rover Evoque44g of CO2 emissions per km
Mercedes Benz A-Class A250e23g of CO2 emissions per km
Toyota Corolla102g of CO2 emissions per km
Audi A6 (TFSI e)27g of CO2 emissions per km14

Related Reading: Carbon Offset Car Rental Calculator: Get Your Precise Offset for any Rental Company

SUV With Low CO2 Emissions

The below table lists some of the best SUVs with low CO2 emissions options:

SUV Make and ModelCO2 Emissions Per Km
Jaguar I-Pace S0g of CO2 emissions per km
BMW X2 sDrive 18d SE119g of CO2 emissions per km
Kia Niro GHi88g of CO2 emissions per km
Toyota C-HR Hybrid87g of CO2 emissions per km
Renault Captur 1.5 dCi Expression95g of CO2 emissions per km
Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi Visia99g of CO2 emissions per km
Mercedes GLA-Class 200d SE DCT108g of CO2 emissions per km
Audi Q2 1.6 TDI SE S Tronic114g of CO2 emissions per km
Mazda CX-3 105 SE-L Skyactiv105g of CO2 emissions per km
Vauxhall Mokka X 1.6 CDTi103g of CO2 emissions per km15

Estate Cars With Low CO2 Emissions

The most economical estate cars with low CO2 emissions are listed below:

  • SEAT Leon ST 1.6 – 94g of CO2 emissions per km
  • Honda Civic Tourer i-DTEC EX+ – 103 g of CO2 emissions per km
  • Toyota Auris Touring Sports (Hybrid 1.8) – 85g of CO2 emissions per km
  • Dacia Logan 1.5 MCV dCi – 74.3g of CO2 emissions per km
  • Skoda Octavia Estate Greenline III – 88.3g of CO2 emissions per km16

Read More About: Car Carbon Footprint Calculator: Choose Your Car’s Year, Make, and Model

How Much CO2 Does a Car Emit per Mile?

When it comes to comparing traditional gasoline-powered vehicles to lowest-emission cars, the question is, how much CO2 does a car emit per mile?

This question refers to conventional cars, and the answer is as follows:

  • The average passenger car emits between 404 and 411 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. This figure is based on the assumption that the car in question gets 22 miles per gallon of fuel.

Cars With Lowest CO2 Emissions: What Are the Benefits of Low-Emission Cars?

Because low-emission cars are tipped to be the best choice for the environment, the following question arises: what are the benefits of low-emission cars?

The biggest benefits of low-emissions cars, including low-emission diesel cars and ultra-low-emission cars, are as follows:

  • Reduced running costs: Electric vehicles in general have lower running costs, mainly because charging costs are much less than filling up with fuel. In addition to lower running costs, electric vehicles consist of fewer parts that would need replacing or maintenance over the years, in comparison with fuel-powered vehicles.
  • Easier to drive: Electric vehicles are all automatic and have been built to include stronger pull-away speeds, which means they are more effortless to drive than gasoline-powered vehicles.
  • Clean air zones / low emissions zones: One of the most attractive benefits of cars with the lowest CO2 emissions is that they are exempt from costs in low emission and clean air zones (in the UK).
  • Better air quality: Low-emission cars, or zero-emission cars, are simply better for the environment and ensure better air quality because of the lack of tailpipe emissions. The UK government is committed to a cleaner future and is aiming to phase out all petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040.
  • Increased battery quality and driving range: Modern electric vehicle batteries provide a driving range of up to 250 miles on a single charge.2

Which Type of Car Has the Lowest Carbon Footprint?

Even though there is still some debate about which type of car has the lowest carbon footprint, it is generally accepted that electric vehicles hold that distinction in some areas, while hybrid electric vehicles take top honors in other areas.

For instance, the best low-emission cars (electric vehicles), could produce three times the CO2 in the Northern Midwest, as the same type of cars being charged on the West Coast.

The main reason for this is that Northern Midwest energy is still produced by coal-fired power plants, while the West Coast receives its electricity from natural gas sources.

The Nissan Leaf battery electric car has a smaller CO2 footprint in the western regions of the US and in Texas, compared to the gasoline-powered Toyota Prius. But, in the Northern Midwest, the Prius comes out on top with a smaller CO2 footprint.

Carbon Footprint of Electric Cars vs Gasoline

When considering the carbon footprint of electric cars vs gasoline, the measurements can be tricky.

That’s because the batteries used in most EVs are highly dangerous to the planet, especially after disposal and during manufacturing.

How Many Electric Cars in the World?

How many electric cars in the world? In 2022, there are more than 16.5 million electric cars worldwide.

This is compared to just 120,000 electric cars in 2012.

How Many Electric Cars in the US?

How many electric cars in the US?

In the US alone, there are 2,531,206 BEV and PHEV vehicles on the road.

In 2022, more than 56,000 battery-electric vehicles have already been sold, as well as over 16,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles and over 72,000 hybrid cars.

California Electric Car Rebate

California offers the California Electric Car Rebate program which incentivizes drivers to purchase green vehicles in exchange for a rebate of up to $7,000

Carbon Footprint of Electric Cars vs Gasoline

The carbon footprint of electric cars vs gasoline cars is hard to measure without taking into consideration the manufacturing and length of the vehicle’s life cycle.

Electric cars (in Europe) are estimated to emit nearly 3 times fewer carbon emissions than petrol or diesel vehicles: When considering electric cars produced in the EU, electric car driving in Sweden, and battery production in Sweden, EV cars with lowest CO2 emissions in the EU can emit up to 80% fewer carbon emissions than diesel vehicles, and 81% fewer carbon emissions than petrol vehicles.

However, measuring the eco-damage that is created by the batteries used in electric cars is simply impossible. There’s no way to measure the impact that toxic chemicals leeching into groundwater can have, or the mining cost to the planet to obtain the materials.

Knowing the cars with the lowest CO2 emissions is a great place to start to lower your own personal carbon footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cars With Lowest CO2 Emissions

What Are the Cars With Lowest CO2 Emissions?

Cars with lowest CO2 emissions are available around the world, and include the following:

  • Toyota CH-R vehicles
  • Nissan Qashqai vehicles
  • Ford Focus vehicles
  • Mercedes A-Class vehicles

What Is a Low Emission Car?

A low emission car is usually defined as a hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicle with no tailpipe CO2 emissions.

What Are the Best Low Emission Hybrid Cars?

The best low-emission hybrid cars include:

  • Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid vehicles
  • MG ZS EV vehicles
  • Toyota Yaris Hybrid vehicles
  • Kia Niro EV vehicles

What Are the Best Low Emission Electric Cars?

The best low-emission electric cars include:

  • Hyundai Ioniq 5 cars
  • Tesla Model 3 cars
  • Fiat 500 cars
  • VW ID.3 cars

What Are the Best Cars With Low CO2 Emissions?

The best cars with low CO2 emissions include:

  • Chevrolet Bolt vehicles
  • Nissan Leaf vehicles
  • Lucid Air vehicles
  • Kia EV6 vehicles
  • BMW iX vehicles

How Many Miles Can Electric Cars Go?

The average electric car can reach a mileage of up to 250 on a single charge.

What Is Low Emission Vehicle Registration?

In the UK, many low emissions vehicles qualify for the Low Emission Zone, and registration for the LEZ is free.

What Are the Factors in Choosing the Best Green Car for You?

There are several factors to consider when buying a green car, including:

  • Lighter-colored cars save energy
  • High fuel efficiency is best
  • Does the car have a gasoline backup system?
  • Have a look at the reviews for the specific car

Is Hybrid a Low Emission Vehicle?

Yes, most hybrid cars are considered low emission vehicles.

What Is a Good CO2 Emission for a Car?

Anything below 100g of carbon emissions per km is considered to be a ‘good’ CO2 level.

How Much CO2 Do Cars Emit Worldwide?

In 2020, passenger cars were responsible for 3 billion metric tons of CO2 being released.