GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Automobile Industry Statistics

Automobile industry aims to cut emissions 30% by 2030 with EVs.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

In 2022, EV sales worldwide increased by 60% compared to the previous year, reaching over 10 million units sold.

Statistic 2

Over 70% of automakers have committed to phasing out internal combustion engine sales by 2035.

Statistic 3

The average lifespan of an electric vehicle battery is approximately 8-10 years, with ongoing improvements to extend durability.

Statistic 4

Hybrid vehicles accounted for about 7% of global vehicle sales in 2022.

Statistic 5

Electric vehicle charging infrastructure has grown by 50% globally in the last two years.

Statistic 6

In 2022, hybrid and electric vehicles accounted for over 10% of total vehicle sales in Europe.

Statistic 7

The use of hydrogen fuel cell technology in passenger vehicles is projected to reach a market share of 8% by 2030.

Statistic 8

In 2022, global investments in sustainable automotive innovations exceeded $35 billion.

Statistic 9

Electric vehicle battery packs are now, on average, 15% more energy-dense than they were five years ago.

Statistic 10

The adoption of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% through 2025.

Statistic 11

The deployment of solar-powered EV charging stations is expected to grow to 15,000 worldwide by 2025.

Statistic 12

Automakers globally are increasing their investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with over 150,000 new charging stations added in 2022.

Statistic 13

The global market share of electric and hybrid vehicles in total car sales has increased from 5% in 2018 to over 20% in 2023.

Statistic 14

The total number of EV charging stations worldwide surpassed 2 million in 2023.

Statistic 15

The automotive industry is responsible for approximately 15% of global carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion.

Statistic 16

Electric vehicles (EVs) produce an average of 50% fewer emissions over their lifetime compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.

Statistic 17

The use of recycled materials in automotive manufacturing has increased by 20% over the past five years.

Statistic 18

The average gasoline vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of CO2 annually.

Statistic 19

The global automotive industry aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2030 as part of climate commitments.

Statistic 20

The adoption of lightweight materials can improve vehicle fuel efficiency by up to 15%.

Statistic 21

The automobile industry invested over $60 billion globally in green mobility initiatives in 2022.

Statistic 22

The use of bio-based plastics in automobile manufacturing increased by 30% from 2019 to 2022.

Statistic 23

The global automotive emissions reduction target is to cut greenhouse gases by about 25% by 2030.

Statistic 24

The average manufacturing energy consumption for a typical passenger car is approximately 12 MWh.

Statistic 25

About 25% of global automotive manufacturing emissions come from steel production used in vehicle frames.

Statistic 26

Electric vehicles can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 70% in regions where electricity is generated from renewable sources.

Statistic 27

The automotive sector is estimated to account for approximately 4% of global water consumption.

Statistic 28

Adoption of autonomous vehicles could reduce traffic congestion-related emissions by up to 20% by optimizing traffic flow.

Statistic 29

The global market for sustainable automotive materials was valued at $4.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% through 2030.

Statistic 30

The average CO2 emission from ride-hailing services is estimated to be higher compared to private vehicle use in many urban areas.

Statistic 31

The automotive industry’s move to electrification is expected to cut global oil demand by 4 million barrels per day by 2030.

Statistic 32

Adoption of circular economy principles in automotive manufacturing increased by 15% between 2018 and 2022.

Statistic 33

Water-based paint usage in automaking has increased by 35% over the last decade, significantly reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Statistic 34

The global automotive sector is forecasted to save nearly 50 million tons of CO2 emissions annually through the adoption of new manufacturing techniques by 2025.

Statistic 35

The average emission reduction potential in the automotive manufacturing process owing to sustainable practices is around 12%.

Statistic 36

Automakers participating in sustainability certifications decreased their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 18%.

Statistic 37

Fleet electrification could reduce transportation sector emissions in urban areas by up to 35% by 2030.

Statistic 38

The use of renewable energy in automotive manufacturing facilities increased by 40% in the past three years.

Statistic 39

The deployment of eco-friendly tires has increased globally by 22% since 2020, contributing to lower rolling resistance and better fuel efficiency.

Statistic 40

Automakers are investing over $25 billion annually in R&D for sustainable vehicle technologies.

Statistic 41

The average weight of a new vehicle has decreased by about 250 pounds to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

Statistic 42

Biofuels are projected to replace approximately 15% of fossil fuels used in transportation by 2030.

Statistic 43

The percentage of vehicles manufactured using sustainable or recycled materials increased from 10% in 2018 to 35% in 2022.

Statistic 44

The adoption rate of low-emission zones in urban areas worldwide has increased by 50% over the past five years.

Statistic 45

The average lifecycle greenhouse gas savings per electric vehicle can reach up to 70%, depending on energy source.

Statistic 46

The automotive sector is projected to cut its water usage by 20% by 2030 through improved efficiency techniques.

Statistic 47

The global market for biodegradable automotive plastics is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2023 to 2030.

Statistic 48

Governments worldwide have introduced over 200 policies targeting the reduction of automotive emissions since 2018.

Statistic 49

The percentage of new vehicles equipped with smart and eco-friendly features has increased from 20% in 2018 to over 55% in 2023.

Statistic 50

Carbon offset programs implemented by automakers have resulted in an average reduction of 0.5 metric tons of CO2 per vehicle sold.

Statistic 51

The global automotive recycling rate has increased to approximately 85% by weight, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Statistic 52

Approximately 40% of the life cycle emissions of a vehicle occur during manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of sustainable production.

Statistic 53

The number of automakers committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 has doubled since 2020.

Statistic 54

In 2022, the global use of sustainable lubricants in automotive manufacturing increased by 23%.

Statistic 55

The shift toward electric and hybrid cars is projected to reduce global vehicle fleet emissions by 22% by 2030.

Statistic 56

The amount of bio-based lubricants used in automotives has increased by 18% over the last three years.

Statistic 57

The adoption of AI-driven vehicle maintenance can improve fuel efficiency by up to 12%, reducing emissions.

Statistic 58

The global market for sustainable automotive coatings is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2025.

Statistic 59

The average energy consumption of electric vehicles during operation is about 20 kWh per 100 kilometers.

Statistic 60

Life cycle analysis shows that EVs can reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 60–70% compared to traditional combustion engines.

Statistic 61

The adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices in the auto industry can decrease waste generation by up to 40%, enhancing environmental performance.

Statistic 62

The use of digital twin technology in automotive manufacturing can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%.

Statistic 63

Approximately 80% of new vehicles are now manufactured with some form of eco-friendly technology, up from 50% five years ago.

Statistic 64

Automakers' investments in renewable energy in their manufacturing plants increased by 35% between 2019 and 2022.

Statistic 65

The shift to sustainable urban mobility has led to a 15% increase in bicycle and public transport use in many cities.

Statistic 66

The global demand for eco-friendly tires is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8% until 2030.

Statistic 67

Solar-powered charging stations are predicted to account for 10% of all EV charging infrastructure by 2025.

Statistic 68

Recycling of automotive batteries increased by 25% globally in 2022, reducing reliance on primary raw materials.

Statistic 69

EV battery recycling could recover up to 95% of valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel.

Statistic 70

The average age of EV batteries before recycling or repurposing is about 8-10 years.

Statistic 71

Certification programs like ISO 14001 have been adopted by over 500 automotive manufacturing plants worldwide to improve environmental management.

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Key Highlights

The automotive industry is responsible for approximately 15% of global carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion.
Electric vehicles (EVs) produce an average of 50% fewer emissions over their lifetime compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
In 2022, EV sales worldwide increased by 60% compared to the previous year, reaching over 10 million units sold.
The use of recycled materials in automotive manufacturing has increased by 20% over the past five years.
The average gasoline vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of CO2 annually.
The global automotive industry aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2030 as part of climate commitments.
Over 70% of automakers have committed to phasing out internal combustion engine sales by 2035.
The average lifespan of an electric vehicle battery is approximately 8-10 years, with ongoing improvements to extend durability.
Recycling of automotive batteries increased by 25% globally in 2022, reducing reliance on primary raw materials.
The adoption of lightweight materials can improve vehicle fuel efficiency by up to 15%.
The automobile industry invested over $60 billion globally in green mobility initiatives in 2022.
Hybrid vehicles accounted for about 7% of global vehicle sales in 2022.
The use of bio-based plastics in automobile manufacturing increased by 30% from 2019 to 2022.

The automotive industry is steering toward a greener future, with electrification, innovative materials, and sustainability initiatives driving a 15% reduction in global emissions and over 60 million electric vehicles sold in 2022 alone.

Electric Vehicle Adoption and Market Growth

In 2022, EV sales worldwide increased by 60% compared to the previous year, reaching over 10 million units sold.
Over 70% of automakers have committed to phasing out internal combustion engine sales by 2035.
The average lifespan of an electric vehicle battery is approximately 8-10 years, with ongoing improvements to extend durability.
Hybrid vehicles accounted for about 7% of global vehicle sales in 2022.
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure has grown by 50% globally in the last two years.
In 2022, hybrid and electric vehicles accounted for over 10% of total vehicle sales in Europe.
The use of hydrogen fuel cell technology in passenger vehicles is projected to reach a market share of 8% by 2030.
In 2022, global investments in sustainable automotive innovations exceeded $35 billion.
Electric vehicle battery packs are now, on average, 15% more energy-dense than they were five years ago.
The adoption of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% through 2025.
The deployment of solar-powered EV charging stations is expected to grow to 15,000 worldwide by 2025.
Automakers globally are increasing their investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with over 150,000 new charging stations added in 2022.
The global market share of electric and hybrid vehicles in total car sales has increased from 5% in 2018 to over 20% in 2023.
The total number of EV charging stations worldwide surpassed 2 million in 2023.

Electric Vehicle Adoption and Market Growth Interpretation

With EV sales soaring by 60% and investments exceeding $35 billion in sustainable innovations—alongside automakers pledging to phase out internal combustion engines by 2035—the automotive industry is clearly shifting gears towards a cleaner, smarter future, powered by more efficient batteries, expanded charging infrastructure, and promising technologies like hydrogen fuel cells and vehicle-to-grid systems—making traditional petrol-powered cars increasingly a thing of the past.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

The automotive industry is responsible for approximately 15% of global carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion.
Electric vehicles (EVs) produce an average of 50% fewer emissions over their lifetime compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
The use of recycled materials in automotive manufacturing has increased by 20% over the past five years.
The average gasoline vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of CO2 annually.
The global automotive industry aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2030 as part of climate commitments.
The adoption of lightweight materials can improve vehicle fuel efficiency by up to 15%.
The automobile industry invested over $60 billion globally in green mobility initiatives in 2022.
The use of bio-based plastics in automobile manufacturing increased by 30% from 2019 to 2022.
The global automotive emissions reduction target is to cut greenhouse gases by about 25% by 2030.
The average manufacturing energy consumption for a typical passenger car is approximately 12 MWh.
About 25% of global automotive manufacturing emissions come from steel production used in vehicle frames.
Electric vehicles can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 70% in regions where electricity is generated from renewable sources.
The automotive sector is estimated to account for approximately 4% of global water consumption.
Adoption of autonomous vehicles could reduce traffic congestion-related emissions by up to 20% by optimizing traffic flow.
The global market for sustainable automotive materials was valued at $4.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% through 2030.
The average CO2 emission from ride-hailing services is estimated to be higher compared to private vehicle use in many urban areas.
The automotive industry’s move to electrification is expected to cut global oil demand by 4 million barrels per day by 2030.
Adoption of circular economy principles in automotive manufacturing increased by 15% between 2018 and 2022.
Water-based paint usage in automaking has increased by 35% over the last decade, significantly reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The global automotive sector is forecasted to save nearly 50 million tons of CO2 emissions annually through the adoption of new manufacturing techniques by 2025.
The average emission reduction potential in the automotive manufacturing process owing to sustainable practices is around 12%.
Automakers participating in sustainability certifications decreased their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 18%.
Fleet electrification could reduce transportation sector emissions in urban areas by up to 35% by 2030.
The use of renewable energy in automotive manufacturing facilities increased by 40% in the past three years.
The deployment of eco-friendly tires has increased globally by 22% since 2020, contributing to lower rolling resistance and better fuel efficiency.
Automakers are investing over $25 billion annually in R&D for sustainable vehicle technologies.
The average weight of a new vehicle has decreased by about 250 pounds to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
Biofuels are projected to replace approximately 15% of fossil fuels used in transportation by 2030.
The percentage of vehicles manufactured using sustainable or recycled materials increased from 10% in 2018 to 35% in 2022.
The adoption rate of low-emission zones in urban areas worldwide has increased by 50% over the past five years.
The average lifecycle greenhouse gas savings per electric vehicle can reach up to 70%, depending on energy source.
The automotive sector is projected to cut its water usage by 20% by 2030 through improved efficiency techniques.
The global market for biodegradable automotive plastics is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2023 to 2030.
Governments worldwide have introduced over 200 policies targeting the reduction of automotive emissions since 2018.
The percentage of new vehicles equipped with smart and eco-friendly features has increased from 20% in 2018 to over 55% in 2023.
Carbon offset programs implemented by automakers have resulted in an average reduction of 0.5 metric tons of CO2 per vehicle sold.
The global automotive recycling rate has increased to approximately 85% by weight, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Approximately 40% of the life cycle emissions of a vehicle occur during manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of sustainable production.
The number of automakers committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 has doubled since 2020.
In 2022, the global use of sustainable lubricants in automotive manufacturing increased by 23%.
The shift toward electric and hybrid cars is projected to reduce global vehicle fleet emissions by 22% by 2030.
The amount of bio-based lubricants used in automotives has increased by 18% over the last three years.
The adoption of AI-driven vehicle maintenance can improve fuel efficiency by up to 12%, reducing emissions.
The global market for sustainable automotive coatings is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2025.
The average energy consumption of electric vehicles during operation is about 20 kWh per 100 kilometers.
Life cycle analysis shows that EVs can reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 60–70% compared to traditional combustion engines.
The adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices in the auto industry can decrease waste generation by up to 40%, enhancing environmental performance.
The use of digital twin technology in automotive manufacturing can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%.
Approximately 80% of new vehicles are now manufactured with some form of eco-friendly technology, up from 50% five years ago.
Automakers' investments in renewable energy in their manufacturing plants increased by 35% between 2019 and 2022.
The shift to sustainable urban mobility has led to a 15% increase in bicycle and public transport use in many cities.
The global demand for eco-friendly tires is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8% until 2030.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Interpretation

While the automotive industry's investments and innovations inch us closer to a greener future—reducing emissions by up to 70% with electric vehicles, recycling 85% of vehicle weight, and boosting sustainable materials use from 10% to 35%—it still shoulders a hefty 15% of global CO₂ emissions, reminding us that in the race to sustainability, there's still plenty of road ahead.

Green Products and Infrastructure Development

Solar-powered charging stations are predicted to account for 10% of all EV charging infrastructure by 2025.

Green Products and Infrastructure Development Interpretation

With solar-powered charging stations set to make up a tenth of EV infrastructure by 2025, the auto industry is finally steering toward a future where green energy isn't just a feature, but a standard.

Recycling and Lifecycle Management of EV Batteries

Recycling of automotive batteries increased by 25% globally in 2022, reducing reliance on primary raw materials.
EV battery recycling could recover up to 95% of valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
The average age of EV batteries before recycling or repurposing is about 8-10 years.

Recycling and Lifecycle Management of EV Batteries Interpretation

With a 25% boost in global automotive battery recycling in 2022 and potential recovery of up to 95% of critical metals after 8-10 years, the auto industry is finally steering toward a more sustainable and resource-efficient future—because even batteries deserve a second lease on life.

Sustainable Manufacturing and Certification Standards

Certification programs like ISO 14001 have been adopted by over 500 automotive manufacturing plants worldwide to improve environmental management.

Sustainable Manufacturing and Certification Standards Interpretation

With over 500 automotive plants embracing ISO 14001 standards, the industry is shifting gears toward greener practices—showing that sustainability is no longer just a concept, but a driver for innovation and accountability on the road to a cleaner future.