Gasoline Facts
Get the facts on gasoline's impact on health and the planet. From pollution to climate change, learn the true cost of gas and why cleaner options matter.

What’s So Bad About Gasoline?
Gasoline causes environmental harms all along its life cycle, from oil exploration and extraction, to moving the oil, to refining it into gasoline, to storing it in underground tanks at gas stations, to burning it in our cars.
Exposure to vehicle emissions also increases the risk of various health problems, including asthma, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, and developmental delays. The impact is especially severe among vulnerable populations like children and seniors.

5 Key Gasoline Facts
- A gallon of gasoline weighs 6 pounds. When it is burned in our cars, the carbon pulls an additional 14 pounds of oxygen from the air to release 20 pounds of carbon dioxide.
- Vehicle emissions from gasoline contain toxic pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, formaldehyde, and benzene.
- Exposure to harmful toxic air pollutants from other vehicles is higher inside vehicles than outside. A gas car cabin is basically a “box with small holes for gas exchange”.
- Worldwide, approximately 5.1 million premature deaths per year can be attributed to air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels such as gasoline - a figure roughly matching the population of the D.C. metro area. Air pollution is the second leading risk factor for early death.
- An estimated 63,600 die each year in the United States due to air pollution.
Read more about the Life Cycle Harms of Gasoline
In This Article
Gasoline Consumption In The United States
In 2023, Americans used about 137.05 billion gallons of finished motor gasoline or about 376 million gallons per day. This is up about 2% from the amount of gasoline consumed by Americans in 2022. Learn more about gasoline consumption in the United States and vehicle pollution.
The US is by far the biggest gasoline user on the planet, consuming almost 35% of the world’s gasoline.


The EIA estimates that in 2023, gasoline and diesel consumption in the U.S. transportation sector emitted approximately 1,489 million metric tons (MMmt) of CO2—accounting for about 31% of total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions.

As one example of the impact of gasoline consumption in the US, in California the transportation sector is the biggest source of carbon emissions at 39% of total emissions. Nearly 80% of nitrogen oxide emissions and 90% of particulate matter pollution in California can be attributed to its transportation sector. Nine in ten Californians live with polluted air.
Light duty vehicles like passenger cars and trucks make up 57% of transportation sector GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions in the US, and more than 70% of GHG transportation sector emissions in California. The transportation sector in California recently experienced a significant drop in GHG emissions, driven primarily by the increased adoption of renewable fuels and the strength of the zero-emission vehicle market.
Worldwide, SUVs were responsible for over 20% of the growth in global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2023.
According to the IEA, if SUVs were considered a country, they would rank as the fifth largest contributor to global CO2 emissions.
Interested in learning more about gasoline consumption in the US?
Use Coltura’s interactive gasoline consumption map showing demographic insights and vehicle data from the state level down to the census block group level.

Gasoline and The Environment
A gallon of gasoline burned releases about 20 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere. Overloading the earth's atmosphere with carbon dioxide is causing warming land and ocean temperatures resulting in more severe storms, droughts and other weather events.
In 2024, there were 27 individual weather and climate disasters that caused at least $1 billion in damages in the U.S., just one event shy of the record-breaking 28 disasters recorded in 2023.
Moving away from gasoline-powered vehicles to cleaner alternatives is critical to cutting emissions.
Gasoline Superusers
Did you know that in the United States, just 10% of drivers consume 35% of all gasoline? “Gasoline Superusers” make up less than 0.25% of the global population but account for a staggering 10.4% of worldwide gasoline use.
Coltura is at the forefront of developing state-level policies to help these Superusers, especially in low-income communities, switch to cleaner vehicle options.
When a Superuser transitions to an EV, they cut gasoline consumption five times more than the average driver in the US.


Gasoline and Health
Vehicle emissions from burning gasoline and diesel fuels contain toxic pollutants including carbon monoxide, smog-causing volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, formaldehyde and benzene.
Exposure to vehicle emissions heightens the likelihood of numerous health issues, such as asthma, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, and developmental delays. This risk is particularly pronounced among vulnerable groups such as children and seniors.
Across the U.S., vehicle emissions are the largest source of carbon monoxides (up to 95% in cities) and nitrogen oxides. They are also a major source of benzene, a carcinogen linked to leukemia, blood disorders and infertility.
One in three people in the nation are exposed to unhealthy air, much of it caused by the ozone (smog) and particle pollution from vehicle emissions.
Vehicle emissions increase risks of asthma, heart and lung disease, dementia and cancers – especially in children and for those who live near busy roads or commute long distances.
Living near busy roads has been linked to developmental delays in children and disorders in pregnancy.
Vehicle emissions have been linked to mental illness, including anxiety and depression, and diesel school bus emissions in particular have been shown to adversely affect academic performance and student health.
In the US, it’s estimated that over 60,000 people die prematurely annually due to air pollution. People of color are disproportionately affected, representing 72% of residents living in counties with the worst air pollution.
Exposure to harmful toxic air pollutants from other vehicles is higher inside vehicles than outside; your car cabin is basically a “box with small holes for gas exchange” and this can lead to unhealthy air pollutants accumulating.
The Impact of Gasoline Consumption In California
California serves as a key example of the health and climate consequences of vehicle emissions from gasoline and diesel.
According to the American Lung Association, California continues to have some of the worst air quality in the country. Nine in ten Californians live with polluted air. The transportation sector in California is responsible for nearly 80% of nitrogen oxide emissions and 90% of particulate matter pollution.
Vehicle emissions account for 80% of smog-causing air pollution in California.
For 2019, 2020 and 2021, of the eleven US counties with the worst combined short-term particle pollution, ozone, and long-term particle pollution levels, ten were in California. Los Angeles is the most polluted city in the nation in terms of ozone pollution.
California is committed to making the switch from gasoline to electric to meet its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40% from 1990 levels by 2030, and reaching carbon neutrality by 2045. A bill in California supporting incentives for gasoline-burdened families progressed through the state legislature in 2024 with unanimous support.
Learn more about the gas car phaseout in California.
Gasoline and the Economy
America’s reliance on gasoline comes at a steep economic price. The economy is vulnerable to global oil market volatility, including dramatic price swings influenced by economic disruptions, and geopolitical events. Even though the U.S. produces most of its crude oil, U.S. gasoline prices remain tied to global markets, exposing consumers and businesses to economic instability and financial strain.
In comparison, electricity prices have remained relatively stable, with the cost of charging an electric vehicle in most parts of the United States equivalent to paying $1 to $2 per gallon of gasoline. The shift toward renewables - more than 75% of the renewable energy capacity added last year was more cheaper than fossil fuel-based alternatives and they account for about 22% of US electricity generation plus almost one-third of the world’s electricity - is a key factor.
Electric vehicles offer a groundbreaking opportunity to break free from this cycle. As electricity can be reliably domestically produced, EVs reduce America’s dependence on volatile oil markets while fostering economic stability. By embracing EVs through strong policies that keep American automakers competitive, the U.S. can strengthen its economy, global standing, and sustainability efforts.


Join Us
Coltura is a US-based nonprofit that cares about people saving money on transportation costs, reducing pollution, and protecting the planet for this generation of children and beyond.
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Read more about the impact we’ve made on cutting gasoline use in the US.
We’re Ready To Phase Out Gasoline And Move To Cleaner, More Affordable Alternatives.
“Combined with a 90 percent clean energy grid, electrifying all new cars and trucks by 2035 would prevent 150,000 premature deaths and avoid $1.3 trillion in environmental and health costs through 2050 by reducing air pollution, especially in frontline communities near major roads, transit centers, or freight hubs.”
Considering Switching To An EV?
Electricity as a fuel is cleaner and less expensive than gasoline across the US.
Use our nonprofit's free EV vs Gas Car Savings Calculator to see how much you could save by making the switch.

The Affordability of EVs
Many EVs have a sticker price on par with comparable gas-powered cars, and they cost far less to fuel and maintain. On average, EV drivers save $6,000 to $12,000 over a vehicle's lifetime, with savings increasing for frequent drivers. For example, it’s estimated that F-150 Lightning drivers in Pennsylvania save around $27,600 compared to their gas-powered counterparts.
The biggest factor driving down EV prices is the plummeting cost of batteries, which have dropped nearly 89% since 2008. Innovations like solid-state batteries and graphene technology promise even more savings.
Electricity is also significantly cheaper than gasoline. Many states also offer discounted electricity rates for income-qualifying people, including California and home solar options can make charging almost free. Maintenance costs are also far lower—no oil changes, timing belts, or mufflers to worry about, and technologies like regenerative braking save on wear and tear.
With federal tax credits of up to $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used models, plus state-level incentives often stack with the federal incentive (CA residents can check out the up to $12,000 in incentives for trading in an old, polluting vehicle for an EV), the upfront cost of going electric is within reach for more drivers.
You can already find a number of EV models under $35,000, and leasing deals start at just $9 per day.
Used electric vehicles are available in many parts of the country for $6,000 or less.
Switching to an EV isn’t just good for your wallet - it’s a step toward cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future. Ready to explore your options? Start with Coltura’s EV Roadmap.
The future of driving is electric—why not make it yours?
Electric Vehicle Resources
Want to see your potential savings? Check out the EV Savings Calculator.
You can also check out the least expensive electric vehicles or a comprehensive 2025 EV range and price list.
Read more about leasing an EV and buying a used EV in our free guides.

Looking to Save Money on an EV in 2025?
Our nonprofit has collected some of the best resources on purchasing or leasing an EV and put them into an easy-to-use cheat sheet.
It's a must read for people considering an EV in 2025.
Simply enter your email to access the Purchasing An EV Cheat Sheet as well as sign up for other EV news and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
Are EVs Better For The Environment Than Gas-powered Cars?
In short, yes! In all 50 states the annual emissions from an electric vehicle are less than those of a gas car.
Fossil fuel vehicles make around twelve times more carbon dioxide than EVs. Claims to the contrary have been widely debunked. Indeed, in 95% of the world, EVs are cleaner.
Electricity is also getting cleaner every year, as more of it comes from clean, renewable sources like sun and wind. In fact, replacing existing coal-fired power plants with 24/7 power from renewables plus battery storage has become more affordable across the U.S. than leaving the coal plants in place.
Gasoline will always be a polluting fossil fuel that is burned once and gone forever. In contrast, there are reports of electric vehicle batteries lasting over 400,000 miles.
If we all had electric vehicles today, it would be ridiculous to switch to gasoline-powered cars.
If we all had electric vehicles today, it would be ridiculous to switch to gasoline-powered cars.

EVs vs Gas Cars Lifetime Environmental Impact
Across the lifetime of the vehicle, total emissions depend on how much the vehicle is driven.
For a gas car, the day it leaves the dealership lot is its cleanest day; for an EV, the day it leaves the dealership is its dirtiest day.
If the EV is never driven, over its lifetime it will have more total emissions than a gas car, because (currently!) more emissions are involved in the manufacture of an EV and its battery than for a gas car.
The more the vehicles are driven, the faster the EV becomes cleaner than the gas car.
According to this data, an electric car needs to drive 21,300 miles, and an electric truck 17,500 miles, to match their gas counterparts' emissions. Considering the average American drives about 14,000 miles per year, his "break-even point" on average happens in about a year and a half of driving in the U.S..
In model year 2023, the highest-rated EPA combined fuel economy for gasoline vehicles was about 60 miles per gallon (MPG), while EVs achieved up to 140 mpg-equivalent (MPGe). (MPGe is an EPA measure of EV fuel economy in a common unit with gas-powered vehicles, where 33.7 kilowatt-hours of electricity are equal to the energy contained in one gallon of gasoline.)
Electric Vehicle Batteries - Environmental Impact
New technology promises batteries lasting more than a million miles. After the batteries can’t be used in vehicles, they have a second life providing battery electric storage for buildings. After that, their raw materials can be almost fully recycled, and recycling efforts are continuing to improve with government incentives. And EV batteries continue to get cleaner and less expensive.
Americans Support Clean Vehicles
A 2023 survey from Consumer Reports revealed that over two-thirds of Americans are open to purchasing or leasing an EV, even though 40% are unaware of the incentives available to EV drivers. As awareness of these savings grows, consumer interest in EVs is likely to increase.
Additionally, US consumers broadly recognize the benefits of the EPA's standards. According to a 2023 poll by Data For Progress, 64% of voters support the new EPA standards aimed at reducing pollution from light- and medium-duty vehicles. Notably, more Republican voters support these standards (46%) than oppose them (42%).

Which Is Greener: Driving Your Gas Car Until It Reaches The End of Its Lifespan, Or Switching To An EV Today?
The answer is: If you use a lot of gasoline, switch to an EV today! The day the EV rolls off the lot is its dirtiest day; the day the gas car rolls off the lot is its cleanest day.
Comparing lifetime carbon emissions, after you’ve driven the EV for about a year and a half in most cases (depending on how much you drive, the model of car and the electricity mix where you live), the EV hits “carbon parity” and is cleaner than the gas car.
Plus, when you drive an EV, you might just get your neighbors and coworkers interested through the “neighborhood effect” or the “workplace effect”. This helps grow the EV market, displacing more gasoline and making EVs more available and less expensive for all. Widespread adoption of electric vehicles would reduce electricity rates for all customers — even those who don’t drive an electric vehicle.
Switching to electric vehicles would move billions of dollars from crude oil (much of it imported from OPEC countries) to the domestic economy.
EV battery manufacturing is getting cleaner, and other concerns about EV batteries are being addressed.

Conclusion - The Benefits of Moving Beyond Gasoline
There are many benefits to phasing out sales of new gasoline vehicles. Switching US vehicles from gasoline to electric will bring economic benefits and job growth.
Electric vehicles are safer than gas cars. Not only that, but electric vehicles can be charged every night while you sleep -- no more waiting at gas stations and breathing toxic fumes.
Finally, moving to electric vehicles from gasoline advances environmental justice and equity — although fossil fuel companies are trying to spin a narrative to the contrary.
A number of states and dozens of countries have announced plans or laws to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles as of a certain date (ranging from 2025 to 2040).
By prioritizing Gasoline Superusers for the switch to EVs, we can reduce emissions faster and provide financial relief to those spending a significant portion of their income on gasoline.
Learn more about Coltura’s gasoline superuser approach.

Escape the "Gas Trap"
Your Action Today = Cleaner Air Tomorrow
We’re laser-focused on tackling gasoline, the largest source of carbon emissions in the U.S.
Our goal is simple: to reduce gasoline use at speed and scale.
We use cutting-edge research, relentless advocacy, and creative public engagement to push for bold policies that reduce gasoline use and protect the health of our communities.
We’re focused, determined, and making real progress – but we need your help to continue this critical work.

Gasoline is the biggest source of carbon emissions.
“Getting off gasoline is critical, yet very few organizations have put resources towards it. That’s why I joined Coltura.”
- Janelle London, Co-Executive Director of Coltura
