Maps and Data - Greenhouse Gas Reductions in Light- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

This figure compares the greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by various fuels over their lifecycle when achieving the same transportation objectives. Propane and CNG emit 13% and 16% fewer GHGs than conventional gasoline in light-duty vehicles (LDVs). Corn ethanol and hydrogen produced from steam-methane reforming (currently the most common source of hydrogen) both reduce emissions about 40% over their lifecycles. Electricity (assuming the nationwide average grid mix) and biodiesel both reduce emissions by more than 60%. Fuel economy, idle reduction, and VMT-reduction projects all reduce GHG emissions 100% because they have no alternative or upstream emissions. Renewable natural gas reduces emissions by 84%-146%, depending on the source, because these projects keep methane from venting to the atmosphere. Greenhouse gas reductions from heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) are similar to those of LDVs, but slightly smaller because diesel engines (which are the baseline for this chart) are more efficient than gasoline engines.

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