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SUVs are dominating the market—larger vehicle models constituted nearly half of new car sales globally in 2023, marking a record for this segment.

There are multiple reasons to be concerned about the increasing size of vehicles, including pedestrian safety, road maintenance, and higher greenhouse-gas emissions. However, SUVs also present a significant opportunity for climate action. Replacing the worst gas-guzzlers with electric versions could substantially reduce pollution.

As we move toward a future with bigger cars, here’s what it could mean for the climate and our future on the road.

According to the International Energy Agency, SUVs made up 48% of global car sales in 2023, a significant increase from about 20% a decade ago. The environmental impact is considerable: over 360 million SUVs on the roads last year produced a billion metric tons of carbon dioxide. If SUVs were a country, they’d rank fifth in emissions, surpassing Japan. SUVs accounted for over 20% of energy-related emissions growth last year.

Several factors contribute to the popularity of larger vehicles. Higher profit margins for bigger cars incentivize companies to manufacture and promote these models. Additionally, many drivers prefer the comfort and elevated driving position of SUVs.

The trend toward larger vehicles is also evident in the electric vehicle market. In recent years, several companies have launched larger electric models. For example, the Tesla Model Y, released in 2020, was the best-selling EV last year, with over 1.2 million units sold. The BYD Song, another SUV, was the second most popular, with 630,000 sold. SUVs comprised nearly 50% of new EV sales in 2023, up from just under 20% in 2018, according to the IEA’s Global EV Outlook 2024. 

The obsession with large vehicles is global. In the US, SUVs accounted for 65% of new EV sales in 2023. In Europe, the share was 52%, and in China, it was 36%.

This growing preference for bigger cars offers an opportunity for climate action. Electrifying the largest emitters on the road could significantly reduce emissions. According to the IEA, if all gas-powered and hybrid SUVs sold in 2023 were electric, it would prevent about 770 million metric tons of carbon dioxide over their lifetime—equivalent to China’s total road emissions last year.

While electric SUVs can help reduce emissions, there are valid concerns about their impact. Larger vehicles are harder on roads, increasing maintenance costs. They are also more dangerous for pedestrians, with higher front ends and blunter profiles being 45% more likely to cause fatalities in crashes.

Moreover, the demand for larger EVs could significantly increase the need for mining metals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt. A 2023 study found that larger vehicles could boost mining demand by over 50% by 2050 compared to smaller vehicles. This is a concern due to the environmental impact of mining.

New technologies, such as LFP batteries that don’t contain nickel or cobalt, could help reduce the need for certain metals. Another potential solution is implementing policies to reduce demand for larger cars. Some countries, like Norway and France, charge higher taxes or registration fees for larger vehicles. Paris has increased parking rates for SUVs.

For now, our vehicles are getting bigger. If we’re going to have SUVs on the roads, electric options are essential. However, bigger isn’t always better.

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### Related Reading

1. [I’ve defended big EVs in the past](link) because they are better for emissions than gas-guzzlers despite their challenges.

2. [The average size of batteries in EVs](link) has increased in recent years.

3. [Electric cars are still cars](link), and smaller, safer EVs along with more transit options are crucial for hitting climate goals.

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