Climate Change and Cars: How Buyers Are Reconsidering Transportation

Explore how climate change drives shifts in car preferences worldwide, from EV adoption to cultural impacts and regulatory changes.

Ten years ago, environmental concerns were hardly a deciding factor in buying a car. Today, climate anxiety is reshaping consumer choices worldwide, particularly in how we view vehicle types.

Wheels and Motion reports that in colder regions, people now consider both safety and carbon footprint when choosing vehicles. Studies show that those worried about climate change tend to drive internal combustion engine (ICE) cars less and lean toward cleaner options.

Here's how the main vehicle types compare:

• ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) – traditional gasoline or diesel cars, still dominant in many regions but losing ground in Europe and China.
• HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) – hybrids with both fuel engine and electric motor, seen as a middle-ground option.
• PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) – plug-in hybrids that can drive short distances on electricity alone, serving as a transition model.
• BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) – fully electric, zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles considered the future of sustainable mobility.

The IEA found that BEVs in the U.S. already emit 40–50% less lifecycle CO₂ than ICE vehicles. As electric grids become cleaner by 2035, this advantage could reach 65%. An online IEA calculator lets users compare emissions across types and regions.

Norway leads the BEV revolution with 93% of new car sales being fully electric. China follows with massive EV sales — over 11 million in 2025 — and a focus on improving urban mobility with metros and e-bikes. Europe and the U.S. are ramping up HEV and PHEV adoption, aided by emission zones and tighter CO₂ rules.

Challenges remain. EVs are costly, and charging in cold climates (e.g., Canada, Finland) can be difficult. China also faces grid pressure as EV adoption surges.

Ultimately, the type of car people choose is becoming more than a matter of taste or budget — it's a climate choice. And in many places, it's a statement.