Summary
– Global SUV sales continue to grow and their emissions are increasing
– SUVs accounted for more than 50% of the market in advanced economies
– SUVs have a higher carbon dioxide emissions compared to mid-size passenger cars
– SUVs are now the world’s fifth-largest emitter of CO2
– Smaller SUVs are better for the environment in terms of total CO2 emissions
Article
Global SUV sales are on the rise, with SUVs accounting for 48% of global car sales in 2023, surpassing 50% in advanced economies. Despite only 5% of SUVs on the road being electric, they are responsible for more than 55% of new EV registrations. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that one in four cars on the road globally is now an SUV, contributing to higher carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to mid-size passenger cars.
The IEA reports that SUVs emit 20% more CO2 on average than mid-size passenger cars, making them the world’s fifth largest emitter of CO2 if they were compared to countries. Factors contributing to these higher emissions include added weight, with the average SUV weighing significantly more than a mid-size car. This weight increase leads to higher energy consumption for both combustion and electric SUVs, as well as a larger carbon footprint due to the use of more materials like battery components.
The rise in SUV sales has resulted in a 600,000 barrel per day increase in oil consumption related to SUVs during 2022 and 2023, which accounts for over a quarter of the overall annual growth in oil demand. The IEA warns that the SUV market is driving global oil demand, potentially offsetting emissions reductions from higher EV adoption. Despite this, the agency predicts that global demand for fossil fuels will peak this decade and that EVs are on track to represent a significant portion of vehicle sales in the coming years.
Not all SUVs have the same level of emissions, as smaller SUVs are more environmentally friendly in terms of total CO2 emissions according to the Department of Energy. While SUVs continue to dominate the market, the shift towards electric SUVs is seen as a positive step towards reducing emissions and combating climate change. However, the overall impact of SUVs on emissions and oil consumption remains a significant concern for global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
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