Global SUV sales continue to grow, and whether electric or not, emissions are also increasing. International Energy Agency (IEA).
According to the IEA, SUVs account for a record 48% of global auto sales in 2023, but surpassed 50% of the market for the first time in “advanced economies” with sales of about 20 million units. And although only 5% of SUVs on the road are electric, they accounted for more than 55% of new electric vehicle registrations last year, the agency noted.
This growth has been going on for some time, to the point where one in four cars on the road globally is now an SUV, the IEA estimates. According to the agency, that has a negative impact on emissions, as the average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of SUVs are 20% higher than those of mid-size passenger cars.
Combustion-related CO2 emissions from SUVs and the 10 countries with the highest emissions, 2023 (via IEA)
According to the IEA, if these emissions are compared across countries, SUVs would be the fifth largest source of CO2 emissions in the world, exceeding the emissions of Japan, Germany and South Korea.
That’s partly due to added weight — the average SUV weighs 440-660 pounds more than a midsize car, according to the IEA — something that affects powered SUVs internal combustion or electric motor. That also means more materials — including battery materials — are needed, giving SUVs a larger carbon footprint in addition to a larger physical footprint.
In 2022 and 2023, oil consumption directly related to SUVs increased by a total of 600,000 barrels per day, accounting for more than a quarter of the total annual growth in oil demand, the IEA said.
Cadillac Escalade 2025 IQ
The IEA also warned in 2023 that The SUV market is driving global oil demand, counteracting some of the emissions reductions one might hope to see from higher EV adoption. The IEA in 2022 also forecasts global demand for fossil fuels will peak this decade. And, in addition to the shift to SUVs, electric vehicles are on the rise aiming for 11% of US sales this year and about a fifth elsewhere, according to the agency.
Not all SUVs have equivalent emissions. As the Department of Energy points out, if you must have an SUV, Smaller SUVs are better for the environment on total CO2 emissions.
