GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sustainability In The Car Industry Statistics

Automotive industry shifts toward electrification, recycling, renewable energy, and sustainability.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The automotive industry accounts for approximately 15% of global carbon dioxide emissions

Statistic 2

Electric vehicles (EVs) produce up to 70% fewer emissions over their lifetime than internal combustion engine vehicles

Statistic 3

The automotive industry is responsible for approximately 1.7 billion tons of CO2 emissions annually

Statistic 4

The production of a typical electric vehicle emits about 15-68% more CO2 than for a conventional car, depending on the electricity source

Statistic 5

The automotive industry is aiming for a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions per vehicle by 2030 through electrification and efficiency improvements

Statistic 6

The adoption of lightweight materials like aluminum and composites has reduced vehicle weight by up to 20%, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions

Statistic 7

The global car fleet is projected to grow by 60% by 2040, raising concerns about increased environmental impact if not transitioned to sustainable options

Statistic 8

The EU aims to cut car emissions by 55% by 2030 as part of its broader climate targets, promoting shift to EVs and sustainable manufacturing

Statistic 9

The average fuel economy of new cars sold in the US has improved by approximately 24% since 2010, contributing to reduced emissions

Statistic 10

The use of synthetic fuels in internal combustion engine cars is being explored as a transitional solution, potentially reducing lifecycle emissions by up to 85%

Statistic 11

Studies show that promoting shared mobility and carpooling could decrease urban vehicle emissions by up to 20% by 2030

Statistic 12

The total lifecycle emissions of battery manufacturing and disposal can account for up to 40% of the total emissions of an EV, highlighting the importance of sustainable recycling practices

Statistic 13

The share of bio-based plastics used in automotive parts increased to 20% in 2022, promoting biodegradability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels

Statistic 14

Sustainable mobility initiatives like bike-sharing and micro-mobility programs are increasing city transportation sustainability metrics by up to 30%, according to urban mobility reports

Statistic 15

Automakers have committed to increasing the use of renewable energy in their supply chains to at least 50% by 2030, aiming for a significant reduction in overall emissions

Statistic 16

Lifecycle assessments show that EVs emit 50-70% less greenhouse gases than conventional cars over a typical lifespan, emphasizing sustainability benefits

Statistic 17

Autonomous vehicle testing projects increasingly prioritize sustainability metrics, including energy efficiency and reduced emissions, with over 50 pilot projects worldwide in 2023

Statistic 18

Worldwide, automotive companies invested over $50 billion in EV development and manufacturing in 2022, reflecting industry commitment to sustainability

Statistic 19

Several automakers have committed to achieving carbon neutrality in production facilities by 2030, including Ford, Toyota, and Volkswagen

Statistic 20

Governments worldwide have announced over 200 policies and incentives to promote EV adoption and sustainable practices in the automotive industry by 2023

Statistic 21

Over 80% of new cars sold worldwide are fueled by gasoline or diesel

Statistic 22

The global electric vehicle market share was about 4.1% in 2021 and is expected to reach 25% by 2030

Statistic 23

Around 36% of global car production was electric or hybrid as of 2022, indicating a significant shift towards sustainable options

Statistic 24

Nearly 70% of new vehicle models launched in 2023 include some form of electrification or hybrid technology

Statistic 25

Electric vehicle sales in China surpassed 3 million units in 2022, making it the largest EV market globally

Statistic 26

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) accounted for approximately 10% of new car sales globally in 2022, offering a bridge technology towards full electrification

Statistic 27

The total cost of ownership for electric vehicles is projected to drop below that of combustion engine vehicles by 2025 due to lower fuel and maintenance costs

Statistic 28

The global aftermarket for electric vehicle batteries is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 25% through 2030, reaching over $200 billion

Statistic 29

The deployment of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is increasing, with global sales reaching approximately 50,000 units in 2022, supported by expanding fueling infrastructure

Statistic 30

Nearly 60% of consumers consider environmental impact as a key factor in their vehicle purchasing decisions in 2023, indicating rising demand for sustainable cars

Statistic 31

The use of eco-friendly interior materials, such as recycled plastics and plant-based leathers, increased by 35% in new vehicle models from 2020 to 2023, promoting sustainability inside cars

Statistic 32

Recycling rates for lithium-ion batteries from EVs are currently about 50%, with goals to reach 90% by 2030

Statistic 33

The average age of electric vehicle batteries before replacement is approximately 8-10 years, extending vehicle lifespan and sustainability

Statistic 34

The adoption of solar and renewable energy sources for manufacturing operations is increasing in the automotive sector, with over 60% of plants implementing some renewable energy plan by 2023

Statistic 35

The manufacturing sector's waste from automotive production has decreased by about 15% since 2015 due to increased recycling and efficiency measures

Statistic 36

Adoption of green manufacturing practices has increased by 45% in the automotive industry from 2018 to 2023, according to industry surveys

Statistic 37

The adoption of circular economy principles in automotive manufacturing reduces raw material extraction by approximately 30%, promoting resource conservation

Statistic 38

Developing sustainable supply chains remains a challenge, with nearly 50% of automotive companies reporting difficulties in sourcing ethically mined materials for batteries in 2023

Statistic 39

The automotive industry’s water consumption has decreased by about 25% since 2010 through water recycling and efficiency measures

Statistic 40

The number of charging stations for electric vehicles worldwide surpassed 2.8 million in 2023, facilitating wider adoption and supporting sustainability goals

Statistic 41

The global push for sustainability has led to a 20% increase in government funding for green automotive R&D since 2018, totaling over $10 billion in investments

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Key Highlights

The automotive industry accounts for approximately 15% of global carbon dioxide emissions
Over 80% of new cars sold worldwide are fueled by gasoline or diesel
Electric vehicles (EVs) produce up to 70% fewer emissions over their lifetime than internal combustion engine vehicles
The global electric vehicle market share was about 4.1% in 2021 and is expected to reach 25% by 2030
The automotive industry is responsible for approximately 1.7 billion tons of CO2 emissions annually
The production of a typical electric vehicle emits about 15-68% more CO2 than for a conventional car, depending on the electricity source
Around 36% of global car production was electric or hybrid as of 2022, indicating a significant shift towards sustainable options
The automotive industry is aiming for a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions per vehicle by 2030 through electrification and efficiency improvements
Recycling rates for lithium-ion batteries from EVs are currently about 50%, with goals to reach 90% by 2030
Nearly 70% of new vehicle models launched in 2023 include some form of electrification or hybrid technology
The adoption of lightweight materials like aluminum and composites has reduced vehicle weight by up to 20%, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions
The average age of electric vehicle batteries before replacement is approximately 8-10 years, extending vehicle lifespan and sustainability
The global car fleet is projected to grow by 60% by 2040, raising concerns about increased environmental impact if not transitioned to sustainable options

As the automotive industry accelerates toward a greener future, staggering statistics reveal that while over 80% of new cars still run on gasoline or diesel, the rapid rise of electric vehicles and sustainability initiatives are cutting emissions, revolutionizing manufacturing, and driving a global shift toward clean mobility.

Environmental Impact and Emissions Reduction

The automotive industry accounts for approximately 15% of global carbon dioxide emissions
Electric vehicles (EVs) produce up to 70% fewer emissions over their lifetime than internal combustion engine vehicles
The automotive industry is responsible for approximately 1.7 billion tons of CO2 emissions annually
The production of a typical electric vehicle emits about 15-68% more CO2 than for a conventional car, depending on the electricity source
The automotive industry is aiming for a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions per vehicle by 2030 through electrification and efficiency improvements
The adoption of lightweight materials like aluminum and composites has reduced vehicle weight by up to 20%, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions
The global car fleet is projected to grow by 60% by 2040, raising concerns about increased environmental impact if not transitioned to sustainable options
The EU aims to cut car emissions by 55% by 2030 as part of its broader climate targets, promoting shift to EVs and sustainable manufacturing
The average fuel economy of new cars sold in the US has improved by approximately 24% since 2010, contributing to reduced emissions
The use of synthetic fuels in internal combustion engine cars is being explored as a transitional solution, potentially reducing lifecycle emissions by up to 85%
Studies show that promoting shared mobility and carpooling could decrease urban vehicle emissions by up to 20% by 2030
The total lifecycle emissions of battery manufacturing and disposal can account for up to 40% of the total emissions of an EV, highlighting the importance of sustainable recycling practices
The share of bio-based plastics used in automotive parts increased to 20% in 2022, promoting biodegradability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels
Sustainable mobility initiatives like bike-sharing and micro-mobility programs are increasing city transportation sustainability metrics by up to 30%, according to urban mobility reports
Automakers have committed to increasing the use of renewable energy in their supply chains to at least 50% by 2030, aiming for a significant reduction in overall emissions
Lifecycle assessments show that EVs emit 50-70% less greenhouse gases than conventional cars over a typical lifespan, emphasizing sustainability benefits
Autonomous vehicle testing projects increasingly prioritize sustainability metrics, including energy efficiency and reduced emissions, with over 50 pilot projects worldwide in 2023

Environmental Impact and Emissions Reduction Interpretation

While electric vehicles promise up to 70% fewer emissions over their lifetime, the automotive industry's hefty 15% share of global CO2 emissions and the projected 60% growth in the car fleet by 2040 underscore that sustainable innovation must accelerate from both the factory floor and the road to truly shift gears in combating climate change.

Industry Commitments and Regulatory Policies

Worldwide, automotive companies invested over $50 billion in EV development and manufacturing in 2022, reflecting industry commitment to sustainability
Several automakers have committed to achieving carbon neutrality in production facilities by 2030, including Ford, Toyota, and Volkswagen
Governments worldwide have announced over 200 policies and incentives to promote EV adoption and sustainable practices in the automotive industry by 2023

Industry Commitments and Regulatory Policies Interpretation

With over $50 billion invested in EVs in 2022, bold pledges for carbon neutrality by 2030, and more than 200 policies fueling the shift, the automotive industry is undeniably steering toward a greener future—though whether it arrives there on schedule remains the ultimate test of sustainability.

Market Trends and Vehicle Adoption

Over 80% of new cars sold worldwide are fueled by gasoline or diesel
The global electric vehicle market share was about 4.1% in 2021 and is expected to reach 25% by 2030
Around 36% of global car production was electric or hybrid as of 2022, indicating a significant shift towards sustainable options
Nearly 70% of new vehicle models launched in 2023 include some form of electrification or hybrid technology
Electric vehicle sales in China surpassed 3 million units in 2022, making it the largest EV market globally
Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) accounted for approximately 10% of new car sales globally in 2022, offering a bridge technology towards full electrification
The total cost of ownership for electric vehicles is projected to drop below that of combustion engine vehicles by 2025 due to lower fuel and maintenance costs
The global aftermarket for electric vehicle batteries is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 25% through 2030, reaching over $200 billion
The deployment of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is increasing, with global sales reaching approximately 50,000 units in 2022, supported by expanding fueling infrastructure
Nearly 60% of consumers consider environmental impact as a key factor in their vehicle purchasing decisions in 2023, indicating rising demand for sustainable cars
The use of eco-friendly interior materials, such as recycled plastics and plant-based leathers, increased by 35% in new vehicle models from 2020 to 2023, promoting sustainability inside cars

Market Trends and Vehicle Adoption Interpretation

Despite electric vehicles making significant strides, with over 36% of global cars now hybrid or electric and consumer eco-concern on the rise, over 80% of new cars still run on traditional gasoline or diesel, underscoring that the road to sustainable transport is still under construction rather than completed.

Sustainability Practices and Circular Economy

Recycling rates for lithium-ion batteries from EVs are currently about 50%, with goals to reach 90% by 2030
The average age of electric vehicle batteries before replacement is approximately 8-10 years, extending vehicle lifespan and sustainability
The adoption of solar and renewable energy sources for manufacturing operations is increasing in the automotive sector, with over 60% of plants implementing some renewable energy plan by 2023
The manufacturing sector's waste from automotive production has decreased by about 15% since 2015 due to increased recycling and efficiency measures
Adoption of green manufacturing practices has increased by 45% in the automotive industry from 2018 to 2023, according to industry surveys
The adoption of circular economy principles in automotive manufacturing reduces raw material extraction by approximately 30%, promoting resource conservation
Developing sustainable supply chains remains a challenge, with nearly 50% of automotive companies reporting difficulties in sourcing ethically mined materials for batteries in 2023
The automotive industry’s water consumption has decreased by about 25% since 2010 through water recycling and efficiency measures

Sustainability Practices and Circular Economy Interpretation

As the automotive industry accelerates toward greener horizons—recycling lithium-ion batteries at an ambitious 50% with plans for 90%, extending EV battery lifespans, ramping up renewable energy use in manufacturing, and slashing waste and water consumption—the ultimate challenge remains sourcing ethically mined materials, reminding us that sustainability in mobility is as much about ethical stewardship as technological advancement.

Technological Innovations and Infrastructure

The number of charging stations for electric vehicles worldwide surpassed 2.8 million in 2023, facilitating wider adoption and supporting sustainability goals
The global push for sustainability has led to a 20% increase in government funding for green automotive R&D since 2018, totaling over $10 billion in investments

Technological Innovations and Infrastructure Interpretation

With over 2.8 million charging stations and a $10 billion boost in green automotive R&D funding since 2018, the car industry is cruising steadily toward a more sustainable future—no petrol station needed.