The EPA calculates emissions statistics based on CO2 produced per gallon of gasoline, fuel economy, and miles traveled. Greenhouse gases, including CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons, contribute to emissions. CO2 contributes 95% of greenhouse gases and is the primary focus. The average passenger car emits 5.48 tonnes of CO2 per year based on 12,000 miles and a fuel economy of 20.3 mpg.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States uses several methods to calculate emissions statistics. The first consideration is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced for each gallon of gasoline. Another consideration that the EPA includes in its emissions statistics is the fuel economy of cars and light trucks. In addition, the number of miles traveled by the vehicles is determined. Finally, emissions statistics include the effects of other greenhouse gases. Other agencies and governments around the world may employ similar or alternative methodologies to calculate emissions statistics.
Greenhouse gases consist of CO2, methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and hydrofluorocarbons (HCF). It is generally accepted by those who believe in man-made climate change that the biggest contributor to global warming and ozone depletion is CO2 emissions from cars, trucks and factories. Other greenhouse gases such as CH4, N2O and HCF also contribute to the emissions statistics. They are usually given off by automobile exhaust pipes and leaky air conditioners.
CO2 is thought to contribute about 95 percent of all greenhouse gases and is therefore the primary focus of emissions statistics. One gallon of gasoline usually produces about 19.4 pounds (8.8 kg) of CO2. This calculation is based on the carbon content value of one gallon of gasoline as outlined in the US Code of Federal Regulations.
Once you know how much carbon a gallon of gasoline produces, you need to determine how many miles a car can go on a gallon of gasoline. This is commonly known as fuel economy and is represented by unit miles per gallon. The EPA generates estimated fuel economy for both city and highway driving.
The third component of emissions statistics related to CO2 emissions is the number of miles cars and trucks will travel in a year. It is generally assumed that all passenger vehicles will travel approximately 12,000 miles per year. Light trucks are estimated to travel about 15,000 miles a year.
A final calculation to determine the CO2 emission of a passenger car is a bit complex. It uses the number of miles the vehicle has traveled and divides it by the average fuel economy of a passenger car. This number is then multiplied by the CO2 per gallon. The resulting value is multiplied by 100 and divided by 95. Finally, this value is divided by 1000.
The average passenger car will emit 5.48 tonnes of CO2 per year. Assumes car gets 12,000 miles and has fuel economy of 20.3 mpg. It also uses 8.8 kg of CO2 in the calculation.
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