In recent years, sustainable mobility has become a central topic in the environmental debate.
Cars, which account for a significant share of global CO₂ emissions, are among the main targets of ecological transition policies.
However, when it comes to alternative solutions, the question often arises: is an electric car or a hybrid car the better choice?
The answer is not straightforward, as several factors come into play: from the origin of the energy to battery production, and the entire life cycle of the vehicle.
Environmental impact during production
One of the first aspects to consider is the manufacturing process.
Electric cars, although they emit no exhaust gases during use, have a higher initial impact compared to hybrid vehicles.
This is mainly due to the production of lithium batteries, which require the extraction of materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, often in countries where working conditions and environmental impact are criticized.
According to a report by the European Environment Agency, producing an electric car can emit up to 60% more CO₂ than a traditional combustion engine car, and slightly less when compared to a hybrid vehicle.
Hybrid cars, on the other hand, contain a smaller battery and mechanical components similar to a gasoline-powered car, making them lighter and less energy-intensive to produce.
However, they are not without drawbacks, as the combination of two systems (thermal and electric) still requires more materials and resources.
Both technologies, therefore, present significant environmental costs from the very beginning of the vehicle's life, which must be considered when evaluating overall sustainability.
Consumption and emissions during use
From this point of view, electric cars show their main advantages.
During use, an electric vehicle produces no tailpipe emissions and reduces direct emissions to zero.
However, it must be considered that the electricity needed for charging may come from fossil sources, which affects the overall impact.
In countries where the electric grid is mainly powered by renewables (such as Norway or Iceland), electric cars have a significantly lower environmental footprint than hybrids.
In Italy, according to the GSE (Gestore dei Servizi Energetici), the share of electricity from renewable sources exceeded 36% in 2023, making the environmental balance of electric cars already competitive.
Hybrid cars, instead, alternate between the electric motor and the combustion engine.
In urban routes and at low speeds, the electric motor helps reduce emissions, but on long-distance or high-speed routes, the thermal engine prevails, resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Data from the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport show that full or mild hybrid vehicles achieve an average reduction in emissions of between 10% and 25% compared to traditional gasoline cars.
Ultimately, road-use sustainability is closely linked to the local energy context and driving habits.
Battery life and life cycle impact
One of the most discussed aspects concerns the lifespan and reuse of batteries.
Lithium batteries in electric cars last, on average, between 8 and 15 years depending on use, charging patterns, and climate conditions.
At the end of their useful life, they can be reused for stationary applications (e.g., home energy storage) or recycled, although the recovery processes for critical metals are still complex and expensive.
Hybrid cars use smaller batteries, which are less impactful but also offer lower efficiency and range.
The advantage is that they rely on the thermal engine to reduce premature degradation, but this still means continued reliance on fossil fuels.
Moreover, the disposal of hybrid batteries, although less demanding, must still be handled by authorized centers, as they contain potentially polluting materials.
Battery issues are therefore central: from extraction to end-of-life management, they significantly affect the vehicle's overall environmental balance.
Disposal and end of life
A vehicle’s sustainability does not end when it is no longer usable.
End-of-life management and the possibility of material recovery also play a key role.
Electric vehicles, for example, must be safely disposed of, especially their high-voltage batteries.
Directive 2000/53/EC of the European Union (known as the “ELV” Directive – End-of-Life Vehicles) requires that at least 95% of the vehicle’s weight be recovered and recycled.
However, fully recycling lithium batteries remains a challenge: some processes exist, but recovering elements like lithium and cobalt is not always efficient or economically viable.
In the case of hybrid cars, the dual system (electric and thermal) makes separation and treatment more complex, although the smaller batteries make the process slightly less critical.
The development of a circular supply chain will be key to improving the sustainability of both solutions, although currently electric cars require greater attention and investment in this area.
Infrastructure availability and practicality
Another key factor in evaluating sustainability is the ease of recharging the vehicle with clean energy.
Electric vehicles require a widespread and efficient charging network and ideally should be charged using solar or wind power.
In Italy, according to data from Motus-E, in 2024 there are over 50,000 public charging points, but distribution is still uneven, with a significant gap between the North and South.
Hybrid cars do not require charging stations (except for plug-in models), making them more versatile in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
However, this convenience also implies greater dependence on gasoline or diesel.
Hidden environmental costs and responsible use
Finally, it’s important to remember that no car is truly “zero-impact.”
Production, use, and disposal all come with environmental costs that can be reduced but not eliminated.
The most sustainable car, according to many experts, is the one that’s used the least, and in this sense, investing in public transport, soft mobility (bicycles, scooters, walking), and car sharing is just as important.
The approach to car ownership also matters: choosing a compact vehicle, with a battery size suited to your real needs, and charging it using renewable energy are choices that make a difference.
So, who wins the electric vs hybrid challenge?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
In terms of direct emissions and long-term potential, electric cars represent the most sustainable solution, provided they are powered by renewable energy and produced through a transparent supply chain.
Hybrid cars, instead, are a good transitional option, especially in countries where the charging infrastructure is still limited or for drivers with mixed travel patterns.
The real challenge is not so much choosing between electric or hybrid, but rethinking how we move—adopting integrated, responsible solutions that prioritize the environment as well as people’s real needs.